About 900 people from schools, nursing homes and programs from Atlanta to Montgomery, Ala., got a day on the lake Thursday thanks to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
It was the corps’ 35th annual Special Day for Special People, which is geared to physically or mentally disabled children and adults and the elderly.
“We expanded the program to include the elderly a few years ago,” said park ranger Steven Rector. “A lot of times, they move into a nursing home and don’t necessarily get to go on trips.”
The day included a number of activities including dancing, a train ride around the grounds, boat rides sponsored by Highland Marina Resort and Southern Harbor, horseshoes, a bounce house, photos and lunch. Those who brought gear were welcome to fish.
Rector said the corps was able to open Rocky Point Park to so many for the event, partly because of the participation of Publix and Coca-Cola, which helped sponsor the event and provided food and drinks.
“This day reminds us all how nice it is to have this resource in our community,” Rector said. “For some of the people here, this will be their only trip to the lake this year.”
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