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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Vol. 9, No. 2 Spring 2001

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Water, Water, Everywhere:
Recreation in Delaware

by Dan Fendler, AT Specialist
Kent and Sussex County ATRCs

Summer is just around the corner. To get some relief from the heat, many folks flock to the water. Delaware has a few local resources available to help all people enjoy water-based recreation activities. Here are a few ideas on how to get ready for summer and get into the swim of things.

Y Not?

By the time this issue of The AT Messenger hits the streets, the days will be warmer, but it won't exactly be swimming weather. But you can still explore the benefits of aquatic programs by visiting your local YMCA.YMCA in Sussex Co.

The YMCAs throughout the state have a number of programs available, including several designed for people with arthritis. The programs are designed to maintain and promote joint mobility and promote a sense of well being. The activities at each location change periodically, so check with your local branch for a complete and current listing.

To take advantage of most of the YMCA's programs, you must be a member. However, a scholarship program is available to help subsidize membership and/or program fees for those who demonstrate financial need. Check with your local branch for details.

Sussex YMCA's aquatic classesOne exception to the fee-based programs is an aquatic based class offered to those who have Multiple Sclerosis. These are free classes sponsored by the National MS Society. Check with the Y nearest you to inquire about the program.

If you don't like to get wet, you can inquire about several alternative programs available for people who use wheelchairs. One program offered at the Dover center is You May be Seated, which includes exercises for strength and flexibility done seated or standing. The staff I spoke to at the different locations all seem dedicated to offering programs that meet the needs of the entire community. If you have any questions, give them a call.

Killens Pond Water Park

Frog slides in the children's zero-depth entrance pool at Killens PondLocated in the heart of Delaware, and part of the Delaware State Park system, is the Killens Pond Water Park. A relatively new addition to the park, the innovative design includes a zero-depth entrance, making it ideal for those on wheels. A zero-depth entrance means that the concrete apron gently slopes down so that bathers can wheel right into the water and escape the heat. The pool also has handrails along one side of the sloped entrance to help those who are mobile but need rails to assist with balance.

Once in the water, there are several water attractions that will help make the experience more fun (or get you more wet, depending on your perspective). There's a giant mushroom shaped fountain, and several unusually shaped water "fountains" which look like a lot of fun. To see some in season pictures of the pool and water features, check out the Delaware Parks website at www.destateparks.com/kpsp/watrpark.htm. Lap lanes are available for the accomplished swimmer.

There is also a smaller zero-depth entrance pool available for the younger swimmers. It features two frog slides and two shooting ground fountains.

Killens Pond zero-depth entrance to the poolTo date, Killens Pond Water Park has had no summer water programs. According to the Park Interpreter, Angela Wood, there are several programs planned for this summer. While none of the programs are specifically designed for those with special needs, all are welcome. If you have any questions about the specific programs planned, give park officials a call at 302-284-4526. Everyone I spoke to at Killens Pond seems committed to keeping the park accessible to everyone.

Those of you in New Castle County will have to travel below the canal to check out the Water Park. Good news for Sussex county: there are plans in the works to build a similar water park at Trap Pond State Park.

Assistive Technology for Swimming

Access to water can be made easier with the right equipment. There are a variety of floatation devices available for people with special needs. Several different types of floats accommodate people of varying abilities. Access to Recreation is a great place to start looking. Their website is www.accesstorecreation.com, or you can get a copy of their catalog by calling 800-634-4351.

Zero clearance pools are great. One note of caution: before you roll your manual chair in the water, you may want to check to see if it is designed to get wet. Check with your chair manufacturer. There are some chairs that are designed to be used in the water. One such chair is the Polymedic Pool Wheelchair available through Achievable Concepts. Their website is www.achievableconcepts.com.

As always, if you have any questions about any area of Assistive Technology, give your local ATRC a call.

For more information on this topic

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability offers Fact Sheets on Access to Swimming Pools

Cartoon Picture of SwimmerIncludes information on recreational swimming, competitive swimming, equipment suppliers, and swim and sport organizations. See http://www.ncpad.org/Factshthtml/Swimming.htm

Includes information on swimming pool lifts and other access to pools. See http://www.ncpad.org/Factshthtml/SwimPoolslift.htm

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