Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel (the park), a year-round, indoor water park in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

This certification demonstrates the park’s commitment to ongoing autism awareness training to help staff provide a welcoming environment for visitors on the autism spectrum.

According the park’s General Manager, there are many members of the autism community that would love to explore, visit and enjoy an overnight stay or day at a waterpark.

“Our team recognizes the importance of servicing guests and their families on the autism spectrum. By becoming a Certified Autism Center™, we will be able to entertain our autism community in a creative, fun and safe way. We look forward to providing sensory days with memorable experiences for all of our guests,” Sprague said.

The certifying agency, IBCCES, recognizes that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel and recreation options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the attractions and destinations. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification. Credentialing includes evidence-based best practices and the perspectives of individuals with autism, alongside other tools and resources to ensure the program is a long-term commitment and has a lasting impact.

Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman says training and certification is the best way for organizations to ensure they can accommodate all families.

“IBCCES is proud to work with Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel to help individuals have a safe and enriching experience, whether they are visiting from out of town or are local residents who can return to the park frequently, and we applaud the team for their commitment,” Pincomb said.