Disclaimer: I was invited to this event to help facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.
For many people in the North Central Florida area, Silver Springs State Park holds many wonderful memories. Myself included. For many years this was my go-to place to get back to nature and ground myself. When I was diagnosed with MS in ’95 I thought my days of floating down the springs in a glass-bottom boat were over. When you struggle with mobility getting on and off a wobbly boat isn’t easy.
However, thanks to the hard work of people like Paula Russo, a former president of the Florida State Parks Foundation riding on a glass-bottom boat just became possible again.
Silver Springs State Park Dedicates
First-Ever Wheelchair-Accessible Glass-Bottom Boat
On August 26, 2021, Silver Springs State Park became the first-ever state park to have a wheelchair-accessible glass-bottom boat. This is a great step forward for people who have mobility struggles. With the creation of this glass-bottom Silver Springs is now accessible to all people. It was a momentous day for people like myself who thought we would never be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the springs here in North Central Florida.
Paula Russo was the woman behind this wonderful project. She was the first to advocate for it after a conversation with someone she met. With her determination and the help of many people, this project came to life.
The Florida State Parks Foundation commissioned Lay, Pitman & Associates Naval Architects to design the 37-foot boat, which includes a flat deck and spacious aisles providing easy and convenient access for wheelchairs. It is also equipped with an induction loop system that assists passengers using hearing aids to listen to the captain’s narration.
The vessel was built at the St. Johns Ship Building shipyard near Palatka.
Showing Support
There were many people involved in making this project happen and many people who supported it. People who had a personal connection not only to the park but for wanting to see this project completed.
I was very touched to be among the people who got to attend the dedication ceremony. As a woman with a mobility struggle having the opportunity to be part of this was truly a blessing. Other amazing people who were on hand to show support and speak were Rep. Stan McClain, Rep. Allison Tant, Sen. Dennis Baxley, and Sen. Keith Perry.
Moses Jumper Jr., the son of the boat’s namesake and Associate Justice, Snake Clan, Seminole Tribe of Florida, was also among those who spoke. His poem honoring his mothering was simply beautiful.
Now that Silver Springs state park has a fully handicap-accessible glass-bottom boat for the enjoyment of people with mobility struggles. I see many more visits not only in my future but the future of those who before now had to pass on enjoying one of nature’s most beautiful natural wonders.
would enjoy going on this