On November 9, 2024, the Epsilon Alpha Chapter at the University of South Alabama donated an all-terrain track chair to Gulf State Park. This chair, designed to help individuals with mobility challenges explore outdoor spaces, has already made a positive impact on park visitors. The donation represents not only a powerful tool for inclusion but also exemplifies the chapter’s commitment to serving others and making the natural beauty of Alabama accessible to all.
Gulf State Park’s 28 miles of trails offer scenic views and serene connections to Alabama’s coastal beauty. However, for individuals who rely on wheelchairs or have limited mobility, these trails have often been out of reach. The track chair changes this by allowing users to safely navigate sandy paths, rocky terrain, and other challenging outdoor surfaces. The chair’s robust design and all-terrain capabilities make it possible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations, to experience Gulf State Park in new and meaningful ways.
“We’re so grateful for the KA chapter’s donation of the track chair to Gulf State Park,” commented Bill Bennett, General Manager of The Lodge at Gulf State Park. “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.”
The inspiration for the donation came from Kappa Alpha’s dedication to supporting others and championing inclusivity. Members of Epsilon Alpha Chapter, in collaboration with Outdoor Alabama and Gulf State Park staff, recognized a significant need for improved accessibility and acted on it. The chapter fundraised, promoted the project, and saw it through to fruition, ensuring that the chair could be made available to the public for free.
“Coming back to KA and philanthropy really holds true to my heart; it’s something I take very deeply,” commented Justin Miller (Epsilon Alpha–South Alabama ’21), a KA member and U.S. Army Reservist who recently returned from an overseas deployment. “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.”
At the recent unveiling ceremony, representatives from the USA fraternity, Gulf State Park, and community members gathered to celebrate the new addition. Speaking at the event, chapter leaders emphasized that this donation aligns with Kappa Alpha’s values of brotherhood and service. “This chair is a bridge to bring our community closer together,” said a representative from Epsilon Alpha Chapter. “It’s about creating opportunities for everyone to share in the beauty of our state and the outdoor experiences that mean so much to us.”
Social media posts from Gulf State Park’s Instagram show enthusiastic responses from the community, highlighting the value and joy that the track chair brings to visitors. Stories from local media also celebrate the track chair’s impact, sharing heartwarming testimonials from individuals who can now explore Gulf State Park in ways they never imagined.
Through this gift, the Epsilon Alpha Chapter has left a lasting legacy of accessibility and inclusivity at Gulf State Park, setting a high standard for community service and engagement in the Gulf Coast area. The chapter hopes that the track chair will inspire others to embrace outdoor adventures and advocate for accessibility in all areas of life.
Read more in an article by Gulf Coast Media.
