FDEP comes to the RESCUE!
WILLIAM J. RISH PARK
will reopen Spring of 2022
12/11/21 UPDATES:
1) Florida State Parks (which is part of the Florida Departmentof Environmental Protection, or FDEP) has taken over RISH park and is expected to open the Park for day visits in next 60-90 days!!
2) FDEP has already completed its own ADA audit and identified $1.4 million in long over due projects to remove barriers to access
3) FDEP expected to receive new funds for those barrier removal projects other repairs/upgrades, and more! (including new restrooms and shade near the pool)
4) Welcome to the new Park Manager for Rish is Stephanie McDonald, former manager of Maclay Gardens in Tallahassee.
Check out other Florida Parks and there great disability access
Click here to see access at Florida Parks!!
The Friends of Rish Park are beyond elated that FDEP is in charge and looks to support the Park redesign/upgrades. Go FDEP!!!!
See Below for more about RISH PARK
The William J. Rish Recreational Park (www.rishpark.org) on Florida's Panhandle coast is an amazing 100-acre park, uniquely designated for individuals with disabilities and their families. It was originally developed in the 1970’s and demonstrated Florida’s commitment to disabled access long before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This gem includes an event hall, industrial kitchen, Olympic size swimming pool, eight cabins, and miles of accessible boardwalks. Rish park can accommodate over 100 overnight guests and has provided a barrier-free beach experience for thousands of Floridians over the years. The park-goers have been denied the Park since 2018. However the Rish Park former manager APD is no longer in charge after 30 years of mismanagement.
Thankfully! - Florida State Parks has just taken control of the Park December 2021 and expected to reopen RISH in the Spring of 2022!
PLEASE JOIN FRIENDS OF RISH PARK SO YOU CAN STAY CURRENT AND SUPPORT OUR GROUP'S EFFORTS. WE NEED YOU!! www.wheelchairhighwaymen.com/reopenrishpark
Also – check out the many accessible Florida State Parks – over 175 Parks are in our great State!