New Water Wheelchairs at Florida State Parks
Although many Florida state parks have beach wheelchairs, thanks to a partnership between the Florida State Parks Foundation and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, seven parks also have water wheelchairs. Ten donated water wheelchairs are now available in the following Florida state parks and recreation areas.
- Deer Lake State Park
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/deer-lake-state-park - William J. ‘Billy Joe’ Rish Recreation Area
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/william-j-billy-joe-rish-recreation-area - Grayton Beach State Park
www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach - Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/delnor-wiggins-pass-state-park - Gasparilla Island State Park
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/gasparilla-island-state-park - Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bill-baggs-cape-florida-state-park - John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-d-macarthur-beach-state-park
The water wheelchairs can not only be used in sandy beach areas, but thanks to the floating armrests they can also be taken into the surf. There’s no charge to use the water wheelchairs, but checkout procedures vary from park to park.
Founded in 1993, the Florida State Parks Foundation has a mission to preserve and protect state parks, educate visitors and encourage community engagement. Likewise, Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation works to keep beaches healthy and safe, promote beach safety education, and support beach and ocean programs. Says Tammy Gustafson, Florida State Parks Foundation President, “Enjoying the great beaches Florida has to offer is an opportunity that should be available to all.”
These two foundations previously partnered in another access-related project, and subsequently donated 52 beach wheelchairs to Florida state parks and recreation areas. “It is our pleasure to enhance beach accessibility for Florida state park visitors,” said Jacquie Youngs, Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation Administrator.
For more information, about beach wheelchair or water wheelchair availability, contact the parks directly.
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