Freedom in the Water at William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area

Words and photos by George McKenzie Jr, Live Wildly Adventurist

Accessibility Features at William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area

The William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area is designed to provide a barrier-free experience for individuals with disabilities and their families. It features accessible boardwalks, beach wheelchairs for exploring the one-mile sugar sand beach, boardwalk scooters, and water wheelchairs. There is a four-foot-deep swimming pool with a lift chair and wheelchair access ramp. Additionally, the park features accessible changing rooms, picnic facilities, and outdoor shower/rinse stations.

Address

William J “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area
6773 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe FL 32456

Hours

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.

Price

• Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle (limit 2-8 people per vehicle)
• Single Occupant Vehicle: $4
• Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers: $2 each

Freedom in the Water

It was a sunny day at the William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area in Port St. Joe, and I was preparing for a photo shoot at the pool. Little did I know this day would be an unforgettable encounter with a remarkable woman named Donna Dickens. Donna, who uses a wheelchair, was about to teach me a profound lesson about overcoming fears and embracing new experiences.

“People with abilities take for granted just simple things like being able to jump in a pool or to walk down the beach, or take a morning stroll. Look for shells, independently by yourself…and that I’ve never been able to experience that until now, where technology has made it possible for persons with disabilities to be independent safely. It is absolutely amazing.” – Donna Dickens

As I set up my equipment, Donna arrived early, accompanied by her husband. David Jones from Sportsability, my fixer for this portion of my expedition, also joined us. Donna’s presence was immediately captivating. Her grace and confidence in using the pool lift to enter the water were inspiring. Watching her navigate the pool with such ease made me realize how much I had underestimated the power of resilience and determination.

Donna’s story unfolded as we spent more time together. She is a mother and grandmother who has always emphasized the importance of independence. Her face lit up as she spoke about using the beach ramp and chairs to access the shore without assistance. The joy she felt in experiencing the beach’s beauty on her terms was palpable. It was a powerful testament to the freedom that accessibility can bring, and it deeply resonated with me, highlighting the significance of personal autonomy. This sense of independence is something we all strive for, and Donna’s story is a powerful reminder of its importance.

Throughout our conversation, Donna shared her journey of learning to swim. Despite the challenges, she had become a certified dive master. Her words gently encouraged me to face my fears about learning to swim. We talked about everything under the sun, from her adventures in diving to the importance of accessible facilities for people with abilities.

“For somebody like me, being in the water is it’s the only place that I have total and complete freedom of movement. I’m restricted by gravity and by lack of muscle strength. But in the water I can go any direction.” – Donna Dickens

Donna revealed that nearby T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was built specifically to provide people of all abilities access to the beach. The park’s thoughtful design, with tables at the right height and various accommodations, was a testament to inclusivity. It was heartening to learn how such spaces could bring not just access but also joy and freedom to so many lives. This realization inspired a sense of hope and optimism in the audience, showing the transformative power of inclusivity.

“I would like to see all the parks with this level of accessibility. I come here like a homing beacon because I can do so many things independently. I can do every single thing that it offers: the beach, the pool, the bay, the, the fishing, the kayaking.” – Donna Dickens

As the photoshoot came to an end, Donna and her husband surprised me with a lunch invitation. It was my birthday, and their gesture was incredibly touching. Little did they know that Donna had already given me the most valuable gift. Her story and our time together not only inspired me but also redefined my outlook on the challenges I faced concerning access and my fears about learning to swim. It left me feeling deeply motivated and empowered, and I hope her story does the same for you.