Gulf State Park Receives All-Terrain Track Chair Donation

OBA Staff • November 9, 2024

USA Fraternity Kappa Alpha Donates Track Chair to Gulf State Park for Accessibility

During the USA Jaguars football game, the KA fraternity at the university donated the track chair to Alabama State Parks. Celebrating the event are, from left, State Parks Director Matthew Capps, KA's Hunter Fairchild. Justin Miller and Luke Sparkman, and ADCNR Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos. Photo by David Rainer

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – People with mobility challenges now have more access at Gulf State Park thanks to a new all-terrain track chair, donated by the University of South Alabama's Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. The chair was presented during a USA Jaguars football game at Hancock Whitney Stadium.


Bill Bennett, General Manager of The Lodge at Gulf State Park, expressed appreciation for the fraternity's contribution. He noted that the chair will enhance existing accessibility features at the park, which include wheelchair-accessible trails, a zero-entry pool, and a public access boardwalk to the beach.


“We’re so grateful for the KA chapter’s donation of the track chair,” said Bennett. “It will encourage more people with mobility issues to experience the outdoors at Gulf State Park.”


The fraternity, which raised funds locally for the track chair, wanted to make a direct impact in the community. Previously, they had donated to national causes, but this time they wanted to see their efforts benefit people locally. The track chair is available for wounded veterans and anyone with mobility issues.


Justin Miller, a KA member and U.S. Army reservist who recently returned from deployment, shared his enthusiasm for the project. “Our philanthropy of donating the track chair allows wounded veterans and others to do things they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do,” Miller said. “I’m proud to be a part of this.”


Luke Sparkman, Director of Philanthropy for the chapter, highlighted that they raised more than $20,000 this year, surpassing previous efforts. “To be able to put a track chair at Gulf State Park is something that our members can see whenever they’re visiting the area,” Sparkman said.

Joey Blackburn, Action Trackchairs' regional dealer, demonstrates the track chair's capabilities in the sand at Gulf State Park. Photo by Billy Pope

The track chair donated to Gulf State Park is an Action Trackchair Axis 40, known for improved comfort, better stability, and a smoother ride on uneven terrain. Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said this brings the total number of track chairs available in state parks to three.


“We have track chairs now at Oak Mountain State Park, Lakepoint State Park, and Gulf State Park,” Capps said. The park system also features other accessible outdoor equipment, including GRIT bikes and tandem hiking carts at various parks to help people with mobility challenges enjoy nature.


The KA fraternity at the University of South Alabama, led by chapter president Hunter Fairchild, is committed to continued support of accessibility efforts. Fairchild shared that they plan to look into donating another track chair next year as they grow and further support veterans and those with disabilities.


Ed Poolos, ADCNR Deputy Commissioner, said, “Our goal is to have all-terrain chairs at all 21 of our state parks.” The donation at Gulf State Park is a significant step toward this goal, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Alabama’s beautiful natural areas.


Blackburn shows the Axis 40 model traverses the surf's edge with ease. Photo by Billy Pope

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