The Bridge Center

Rich in history, The Bridge Center was founded in 1963 by the Knights of Pythias under the name Handi-Kids. A non-profit, tax-exempt organization, The Bridge Center and its founders have a collective vision to be a leader within the recreation community serving as a resource for community members with disabilities and their families alike. The Brid... ge Center has achieved many exciting milestones over the course of the last 50 years: 1975-Procured 20 acres of land and began a summer day camp for children with disabilities. 1982- Built a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool and bath house that is now home to our adaptive swimming lesson and seasonal water play. 1985- Started a therapeutic horseback riding program. Today, The Bridge Center offers Therapeutic Riding, Carriage Driving, Hippotherapy, veterans programs, and unmounted horsemanship programs. 1995- Constructed a second building on the property to house an open recreation space, dance room, and sensory spaces. This space is now home to our indoor sports programs, karate, sensory area, and basketball court. 2002- Opened a state-of-the-art indoor riding arena, The Polishook Riding Center, expanding the therapeutic riding program to year-round operation. The Polishook Riding Center is a PATH Certified Riding Center, one of the only barns with this certification on the South Shore. 2007- Hosted the grand opening of the Leonard Rudofsky Center, a multi-purpose building designed to provide art classes, music classes, performance space, and vocational training opportunities. Lennys is home to many weekend programs, our nurses station, and The Great Space, a multi-purpose room used for professional development opportunities, special events, and staff trainings. 2009- The Bridge Center name was born to symbolize a place that Builds Resilience and Independence for people with Disabilities through Growth and Empowerment. For many, The Bridge Center successfully bridges the gap between disability, recreation, and animals. 2014 - Installed a fully accessible ...Read More