New disc golf course helps people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors

[Guest guest]

New disc golf course helps people with disabilities enjoy the

outdoors

http://www.wdam.com/Global/story.asp?S=6919610

Today's oppressive heat didn't stop a celebration of a new way for

people with disabilities to enjoy the great outdoors in the Pine

Belt. Today marked the grand opening of a new disc golf course at

the Ashe Lake Recreation Area.

It's considered the first in the nation to be totally handicap-

accessible. State and Hattiesburg city officials, along with the

U.S. Forest Service and the South Mississippi Public Accessibility

Association gathered for a brief ceremony to mark the event.

" The facility itself is wonderful for people with disabilities, "

said Greg Gibbons of Sumrall, who attended the ceremony. " There is

plenty of access to everything, restrooms, cart paths, a fishing

pier, all of it is very accessible and accomodates people with

disabilities, " Gibbons said.

The Ashe Lake Recreation Area opened in 2004 as the first totally-

accessible recreation area in the state.