Only two years young, the work of Durango Parks & Recreation and its adaptive softball program has turned heads across the state.

The “Dream League” was awarded the 2015 Columbine Award for Programming at the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association annual state conference.

Led by Chris Clements of Durango Parks & Recreation, the program has provided mentally and physically disabled athletes a chance to compete on the softball fields at Fort Lewis College alongside other parks programs. The program grew in its second full season last summer, providing access to outdoor recreation to the special needs community.

According to a news release from the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, the Columbine Award acknowledges creative, fresh and new programs that demonstrate excellence and initiative in parks and recreation programming.

“The Dream League provides many positives for the athletes, buddies and their families,” the news release said. “They encountered a life-changing shared common experience that enhanced their quality of life. The community has embraced this new program with tremendous support, recognizing how it gives those with disabilities an outlet they have not had.”

Clements took the Dream League a step further this winter, introducing winter floor hockey. The floor hockey league wrapped up Nov. 3 and had 16 athletes assisted by 16 volunteers.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com