New equipment is set to make waves at the Portage Regional Recreation Authority (PRRA) with the help of a grant from the Community Foundation of Portage & District. Recreation Manager Zapphira Major says they applied to fund a mobile mechanical lift chair.
“We are so grateful to the Community Foundation of Portage and District for picking us as recipients, as well as Portage la Prairie School Division, which has loaned us use of a lift up until now. We're so excited to be able to implement the project,” Major says.
The new mechanical Aqua lift chair is designed to help individuals with mobility challenges access local aquatic facilities.
“The lift will be used in the change rooms for aiding in changing and then transferring from wheelchairs to our aquatic wheelchairs that they can take into the water,” notes Major. “It's mobile in the sense that it's on wheels. Those that need it can be moved with it, and we can also take it over to Splash Island.”
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Although there's no fixed installation date, Major says they hope to bring the equipment in as soon as possible.
“We're going to be talking to the supplier right away and will have it available for use as soon as we can get our hands on it."
The PRRA anticipates the new addition will be well-received by the community, particularly by individuals who face barriers when accessing aquatic facilities.
“I think it will be a welcome addition! We're excited about it. The lift offers that extra service. We have a few aquatic wheelchairs here on site for people to use and borrow, and this adds to the service,” adds Major.
With this new addition, the PRRA continues to make recreation welcoming and accessible to everyone.
“I think it is great in ensuring that everybody who wants to can access the pool."