ARC members take to the water

 

story and photos by Brittany Ransom
[email protected]

More than 200 ARC for the River Valley members and guests took to the water for the organization’s annual water park event Saturday (July 23) evening.

Held at the Alma Aquatic Park, the organization rented the entire facility for members and their families to enjoy the cool water after a long, hot summer day.

Participants had access to the entire park including the pools, slides and water pad. Adults and children took their turn sliding down the enormous slides throughout the park. Many also showed off their diving and cannonball skills in the deep water pool.

The event was held in conjunction with two area baseball teams. The Greenwood Redbirds (ages 10 and under) and the Rangers (ages 13-15) collaborated with The ARC to help support the costs of renting the facility. Players from each team and their families attended.

The ARC for the River Valley’s mission is to provide advocacy, education and recreation for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded more than 50 years ago, the group gives members the opportunity to interact with one another and to participate in classes, activities and outings throughout the year. The local ARC has more than 440 members.

“We are fortunate to have many donors who help make events like this possible,” said Patti Logan, executive director of The ARC for the River Valley. “It is because of their support that we are able to keep event costs low for families to attend.”

Members were charged only $2 admission to the park.

Several groups volunteered their time to help work at the park. Teams from Walmart, The Healing Place, ARC Board Members and University of Arkansas at Fort Smith students from Pi Kappa Phi donated their time to help serve and chaperone.

“This is a great event,” said Adam Auten, Pi Kappa Phi member. “Our fraternity works closely with the ARC to promote our mission of serving individuals with disabilities.”

The UAFS group volunteers with The ARC at events throughout the year.

For more information about The ARC for the River Valley, call 783-5529 or visit the group’s website.