David Rainer: Track chair donated to Gulf State Park by USA fraternity

Thanks to a donation by the University of South Alabama’s (USA) Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order (KA), those with mobility issues will have access to an all-terrain track chair at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores. The presentation of the track chair to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Alabama State Parks was held during the USA Jaguars home football game Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

Bill Bennett, General Manager of The Lodge at Gulf State Park, said the track chair will add a new dimension to the accessibility efforts that are already in place at the resort park.

“We’re so grateful for the KA chapter’s donation of the track chair to Gulf State Park,” Bennett said. “The entire project at the park had a keen focus on accessibility and mobility, whether that’s on the trails or at the Lodge. We were designed to allow individuals with mobility issues to access all areas of our facilities, including the beach, the swimming pool, restaurants and meeting spaces.

“Having that track chair available will complement the use of these accessible areas and encourage and increase individuals’ connection to the outdoors. When you look at the expansion of the trails system, there was a lot of input into the grade level and having it paved so those individuals who are wheelchair users or who have difficulties with mobility will be able to use those trails. That was very important to the people who designed this. You can see that throughout the park. We have a zero-entry pool at the Lodge with railing that helps navigate that. If you look at the public access boardwalk, that was for access to the beach. When (Hurricane) Sally came by, it was important to rebuild that.”

Bennett applauded the KA members for the initiative to donate equipment for use in the vicinity of the chapter.

“You look at a fraternal organization that takes note of the issues with mobility and wants to help out,” he said. “I just think it’s great.”

Ed Poolos, ADCNR Deputy Commissioner, said the Department is very appreciative of the track chair donation by the USA chapter of KA.

“This will allow individuals to go to the beach and travel the trails at Gulf State Park,” Deputy Commissioner Poolos said. “This will give us new ability to show off our wonderful park to individuals with mobility impairments. Our goal is to have all-terrain chairs at all 21 of our State Parks.”

Justin Miller, a KA member and U.S. Army Reservist who recently returned from an overseas deployment, spent time in Kuwait, Georgia (former Soviet republic), and Syria before coming back to the University of South Alabama and joining the effort to raise money for the track chair.

“Coming back to KA and philanthropy really holds true to my heart; it’s something I take very deeply,” Miller said. “Our philanthropy of donating the track chair to wounded veterans and other individuals allows them to do things they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. Being a veteran, I’m glad to be a part of this.”

Luke Sparkman, Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations for the chapter, said he wanted to do something different with the fraternity’s most recent fundraising efforts.

“In previous years, those funds were sent to a national organization, and we never really saw the fruits of our labor,” Sparkman said. “We made the decision to partner with State Parks this year to have something tangible, something we could see locally. Our chapter really bought into the vision that we had, and we’ve been able to raise more than $20,000 this year, which is exceptionally better than what we’ve done in years past.

“To be able to put a track chair at Gulf State Park for not only wounded veterans but all people with mobility issues is something that our members can go and see whenever they’re visiting the area.”

Jeb Shell, CFO with Hargrove Engineers & Constructors and an alumnus of the USA chapter, echoed Sparkman’s sentiment about keeping the donation local.

“Back when I was in school, we would raise money for a national charity, send off a check and that was the end of it,” Shell said. “These guys were leaders and said they wanted to do something locally that makes an impact. Giving this track chair to Gulf State Park is something that’s tangible. Giving locally will also help the chapter raise corporate and foundation dollars and deliver even more track chairs. I’m very proud of these guys for taking the initiative to do that. I don’t see this as being the last one.”

Hunter Fairchild, KA chapter president, said the USA chapter has 41 current members with 20 pledges, which is the largest the chapter has ever been. He also said it’s the first time the chapter has donated something like a track chair.

“It’s a big year for the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order,” Fairchild said. “Everything over the past year has increased, including retention rate, membership growth and philanthropy.

“The donation of the track chair has been a long time coming. As we grow, it becomes a more achievable goal every year. We’re definitely going to look at donating another track chair next year. As we grow, we hope to help more veterans and people with disabilities.”

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said the donation was used to purchase an Action Trackchair Axis 40, which is the latest model available with the most capabilities. The chair has improved comfort for longer use, improved performance for longer distances, a wide track to ensure a stable ride over uneven terrain, and built-in vibration dampeners to improve ride quality.

Capps said the recent track chair donation brings the total number available in the State Parks System to three.

“We have one at Oak Mountain State Park, one at Lakepoint State Park and now Gulf State Park,” Capps said. “We also have several GRIT bikes at Gulf State Park that allow you to use your arms and hands to pump and make it move. We also have two Cascade Tandem hiking carts that allow youths with mobility issues to explore the trails at Monte Sano and DeSoto State Parks. We’re trying to make our parks more accessible. This is one thing we can do to further that initiative.”