Rish Park Getaway

Kathy, Darby, Jack, and Sam Powell received a donated weekend at Wiliam J. Rish Park this summer. Kathy shared her experience with APD.

“We couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable time at Rish Park than we had this summer, thanks to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities' generosity.  The cabin and amenities were marvelous.  It was an ideal vacation stay for our family that provided our brood with many memories!  I don't think we'll ever forget Sam's first swim to a sand bar with his dad, to get closer to the swimming dolphin!  And our swimming pool basketball games that brought two brothers even closer together.  We even experienced fireworks in the distance one evening and much to our amazement, Sam tolerated the sound for the first time!   And thank you for NOT having WIFI in our cabin, allowing more time for those quality family connections!

Cape San Blas is beautiful, and we truly enjoyed exploring. We were so appreciative of the donated gift card that allowed us to try some local restaurants and stock up the fridge for our picky eater. We even took advantage of that before sunset Golden Hour for some amazing family photos on the jetty rocks, just down the road from the park. With Sam's delayed expressive language, my fondest memory is when he exclaimed, "This is our first sunset together!"  We find that his expressive language flourishes in the quiet moments of life, and this stay provided just that!

We are fortunate to have this beautiful, park for our families with disabilities, and we have already reserved our stay for next year! The William J. Rish Recreational Park was a great environment, creating so many opportunities for success for our son.  In fact, we have not had the luxury of spontaneity, but because we felt so incredibly supported, we may be calling Victor soon to see if there are any cancellations!

Thank you again for the wonderful vacation!”


Sam, Jack and Darby (in back) by the pool.


Darby Powell and son, Sam, swimming in the Gulf.