The Jacksonville, N.C., Recreation and Parks Department is installing aquatic wheelchairs at splash pads around the city this summer to make its aquatic facilities more universally accessible.
Jacksonville City Supervisor Nick Brauininger told WNCT, “wheelchair accessibility for [splash pads] is hard because they’re metal and electric, so they can’t get close to the water.”
According to Brauininger, the new additions will make it possible for wheelchair users to participate rather than just watching the fun from the perimeter.
Aquatic wheelchairs can be reserved during summer 2019 for two-hour periods at the Jacksonville Northeast Creek Splash Pad and Jack Amyette Park Splash Pad.