It Began With A Dream…Over 67 Years Ago!

In 2008, Recreation Unlimited celebrated its 50th anniversary as it continued the dream of Dick Ruff, who founded the organization in 1958 to provide recreational activities for people like himself with disabilities.   Soon after, Jimmy Crum, former sports director at NBC4 in Columbus, became a friend to Recreation Unlimited.  When Dick died in 1974, Jimmy and other community leaders ensured his dream would live on.

Recreation Unlimited Today

Recreation Unlimited annually serves through camps, programs, community respite, and facility lease groups, approximately 6,500 individuals, including 2,000 with disabilities and health concerns with over 900 of these individuals being served through Recreation Unlimited Summer Residential, Summer Day and Year-Round Respite Weekend camps.  Up to 14 physical and developmental disability groups from all over Ohio and five surrounding states are served.  Recreation Unlimited is the largest provider in the state of Ohio serving individuals with disabilities in the area of sports, recreation and education with the most comprehensive and quality program offerings.

The year-round 195-acre, fully accessible campus features a 10,850 sq. ft. semi-private residence hall, The Greif Retreat House, a 20,000 sq. ft. Life Center, three other major residence halls, two private guest cottages for retreats, multi-purpose lodge, creative center, dining hall, outdoor pavilion, health services center and nurses quarters, outpost camp site, administrative and support buildings.  All buildings are air conditioned. Outdoor sports facilities include a universal and accessible wheelchair track ride, universal and accessible play area, sports court, aquatic center, aquatic playground, boat house and accessible canoe launch, accessible archery shelter, amphitheater, track and field, accessible softball field, 25 ft. tree climb, two challenge courses and a 50 ft. Alpine Tower. The spacious cedar facilities interconnect with a comprehensive system of nature trails with observation points for viewing waterfowl and wildlife.  Over four miles of hard surfaced accessible trails are available.  A seven-acre lake, accessible stream trail, prairie, forest, natural amphitheater and shelters provide an ideal environment for nature programs and outdoor education activities.