New wheelchair allows handicapped access in sand and snow

Small Miracles in Life Exist, a nonprofit organization from Massachusetts, has donated a beach-accessible floating wheelchair to Standish Parks and Recreation, the first of its kind in Standish.

The lightweight, low-maintenance, all-terrain vehicle is suitable for access in sand, soft soils and snow. With features such as flip-up, detachable armrests, puncture-resistant balloon tires, safety straps and a harness, the goal is to provide users with portable ease and optimized comfort. Residents can call Parks and Recreation at 642-2875 to reserve the chair.

SMILE Mass, founded in 2009 by Lotte Diomede and Susan Brown, has dedicated the last 13 years to creating the best vacation and recreational experiences for families raising adults and children with disabilities. For the past 12 years, the organization has donated well over 140 floating beach wheelchairs to public beaches around New England.

The organization continues to explore projects that provide recreational opportunities for handicapped individuals. To support the cause, visit smilemass.org to place a donation.

Family fun field day

To celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month in July, Standish Parks and Recreation is hosting a family fun field day free of charge from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Johnson Field, 89 Chadbourne Road. 

Everyone is invited and welcome to bring a picnic along with their own seating or blankets. Expect music and games such as kickball, corn hole, pickleball, giant Connect Four and badminton. A free tennis lesson will be available with one of the staff, so bring your racket. Bring a white T-shirt while you’re at it for some tie-dying in the park. To register, go to standishme.myrec.com.

Summer Spectacular

Mark your calendars for the annual Standish Summer Spectacular, starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 5 at Standish Memorial Park. There will be music, games, food and fireworks at dusk. Admission and parking are free. Food can be purchased from the snack shack, cash only. Proceeds go to the Standish Recreation Scholarship Fund. 

Any community business or organization looking to volunteer by leading a game or activity at the event are welcome. Volunteers over the age of 18 will be needed to help direct parking lot traffic, cook, serve and clean up. Visit standishme.myrec.com or call the recreation department at 642-2875 for more information. 

Emma Bennett can be reached at emmabennett923@gmail.com.