logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
ADA accessible waterpark opens this summer
News
January 14, 2022
ADA accessible waterpark opens this summer

The country’s first completely ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) accessible water park is slated to open summer 2022 at Murphy Aquatic Park, located in Avon, Washington Township, Indiana.

The project began in 2019 with the purchase of more than 35 acres, which was to be developed into a water park with a large focus on inclusivity.

According to Lora Helmick, the park’s director, every feature in the park both inside and outside the aquatic facility is designed to be ADA accessible.

“About four years ago I heard a keynote speaker at an Indiana Park and Recreation conference talking about all the activities that could be provided and ways to accommodate all needs,” Helmick said. “We’ve been offering sensory type programming for parents and children for several years and really wanted an inclusive water park where everyone could come and play together.”

The planning process began with focus groups that included the parents of children with special needs, and Helmick said they provided tremendous insight.

They wanted a place where parents could take all of their children to one recreational space where all of their children could participate.

With 48 water features in the central play area, the park features extra-wide ramps and turn areas, as well as three slides that are accessible from the lower deck.

“We really pushed the designers and architects to create something for all children. Every body of water is zero-depth entry, and everything is wheelchair accessible,” Helmick said. “We had an anonymous doner fund water wheelchairs for us, so you can actually get right in the water and play in the activities. We have a lot of features that spray on the inside of the water playground including water cannons at different levels, so all children can access them and play together.”

There are also shaded areas for those who can’t be in the sun for long, as well as wheelchair swings and a chair zipline.

“We’re hoping with this push toward inclusivity in water, prompts others to think of inclusive features in their parks in the future,” Helmick said. “We had three public input meetings and had some really good reception and positive feedback. We’re excited to bring this to Avon.”

Murphy Aquatic Park, map view Summer 2022.

LATEST NEWS
3 insurance carriers limit new policies
News
3 insurance carriers limit new policies
California’s home insurance policies are on the chopping block, citing increased risk and cost
September 14, 2023
California’s home insurance policies are on the chopping block, citing increased risk and cost
this is a test
News
Winterizing pools proves lucrative
September 14, 2023
Seasonal jobs, which vary across different regions, often contribute significantly to a service firm’s profit margin, especially considering that many...
this is a test
Brain eating amoeba scare in Arlington, TX
News
Brain eating amoeba scare in Arlington, TX
September 14, 2023
Out of an abundance of caution, the city of Arlington, Texas, briefly closed all of its swimming pools and splash pads as they awaited test results fo...
this is a test
New KY lifeguard law sinks swimming pools
News
New KY lifeguard law sinks swimming pools
September 14, 2023
The fate of at least five large swimming pools in Kentucky is uncertain because of new state regulations about the number of lifeguards required at sw...
this is a test
Legionnaires’ disease kills 2 at Calif. spa
News
Legionnaires’ disease kills 2 at Calif. spa
September 14, 2023
A Richmond, California, day spa is permanently closed after two people died of Legionnaires’ Disease, contracted in its hot tub. Zen Day Spa, located ...
this is a test
Blowing water out of pool plumbing
News
Blowing water out of pool plumbing
September 14, 2023
When winterizing swimming pools in areas that experience deep freezes, it is common practice to use air to blow out the water lines so that the water ...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 15-17, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 24-26, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 34th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 8-10, Coronado, California
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 9-11, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Mar. 23-25, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK