IN A DISCUSSION OF RECREATION AND MENTAL RETARDATION, RECREATION AND ITS ROLE IN PROVIDING ENJOYMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES TO LET OFF STEAM, RESOLVE CONFLICTS, AND IMPROVE FEELINGS OF PERSONAL WORTH ARE DEFINED. THE IMPORTANCE OF RECREATION IN PREVENTING MOTOR RETARDATION AND PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPAIRMENTS IN THE MENTALLY RETARDED IS DESCRIBED. RECREATIVE RESPONSIBILITY IS PLACED PRIMARILY WITH THE FAMILY. HELPFUL AGENCIES, INCLUDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS, YOUTH ASSOCIATIONS, COMMUNITY CENTERS, AND MUNICIPAL RECREATION CENTERS, ARE LISTED. RECREATION PROGRAM PLANNING FOR THE RETARDED IS DISCUSSED, AND THE NEED TO PROVIDE ACTIVITIES APPROPRIATE TO EACH INDIVIDUAL'S SEX, AGE, SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, AND ABILITIES IS PRESENTED. SPECIFIC SUGGESTIONS ARE GIVEN FOR HOME, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY AND AGENCY PROGRAMS. SEVERAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE HAVING THE AUTHORITY TO SUPPORT ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF RECREATION AND MENTAL RETARDATION ARE DESCRIBED. ALSO LISTED ARE (1) AGENCIES OF HELP IN ESTABLISHING LOCAL COMMUNITY RECREATION PROGRAMS, (2) FOUR NON-PROFIT AGENCIES IN MENTAL RETARDATION, (3) THREE NON-PROFIT AND 15 NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN RECREATION, AND (4) NINE REFERENCES OF HELP IN DEVELOPING RECREATIONAL SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED. THIS DOCUMENT WAS PUBLISHED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20402, AND IS AVAILABLE FOR $0.15. (JA)