Pleasant Grove to host one-of-a-kind, 'inclusive and empowering' adaptive obstacle course

PLEASANT GROVE — Pleasant Grove is hosting an adaptive obstacle course this month to help people with disabilities celebrate what their bodies can do.

Pleasant Grove recreation held its first Berserker Blitz in September, when around 50 people enjoyed participating in an adaptive obstacle course at Cook Family Park, a new all-abilities park in the city.

"This may be a race, but time and distance take a back seat to fun. The Berserker Blitz is really about the joy families experience together," said Pleasant Grove recreation director Megan Zollinger. "When communities invest in accessible spaces and adaptive equipment, families can share meaningful outdoor experiences. That's what the Berserker Blitz is all about."

On May 30, the city will be hosting its "one-of-a-kind obstacle course" at 11 a.m. at the same park, providing an "inclusive and empowering experience for individuals of all abilities."

"It's such a cool opportunity for everyone of any ability to celebrate what their body can do, instead of being limited. ... It's something that is inclusive to celebrate all abilities no matter where any of us are at," said Alisha Leifson, Pleasant Grove recreation's adaptive coordinator.

Leifson was only a volunteer during the first event, which the city hosted after being approached by Extreme Motus, a company that designs all-terrain wheelchairs to make the outdoors more accessible for all abilities.

The obstacle course will go through the park's pump track, skate park, playground and splash pad. Children got to run through the obstacle course, wheel themselves in an all-terrain wheelchair or get pushed by high school football players who volunteered to help with the event.

"That was sweet to see. (The football players') responses of how much they loved it and were excited for next year was just really sweet. We also had volunteers cheering people on," she said.

Along the course will be various sensory experiences, such as streamer curtains, water features, bumpy sections and tunnels. At the end of the obstacle course is a foam cannon, which Leifson said was a fan favorite at September's event.

She's hoping the event can continue to grow so people with disabilities can enjoy a fun, physical activity while connecting with vendors who provide resources for the families.

"It was one of those events where you're like, 'Wow.' To be part of a community that comes together to celebrate all abilities and creates opportunities where we can learn from each other and have fun is just a really special thing," Leifson said.

Anyone who wants to participate can register in advance on the city's recreation website, but the organizers are happy to welcome anyone who decides to come that day without registering in advance.

"People with disabilities have a special way of teaching us how to have fun despite challenges and also to not take our bodies or our minds for granted, the things we're able to do so easily. They are so optimistic in spite of any challenges they face. For community members to see that and share in that, it's just a really cool opportunity for everyone to learn together," she said.

Leifson joked that she feels like she benefits from her job more than the people she serves.

"They teach me so much. I'm so grateful for their smiles and the special light that they bring," she said.

As a team of one, she is pioneering what it means to make recreation in cities more accessible for all, including adaptive sports programs and children's summer camps.

Pleasant Grove recently received a grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation foundation to purchase three of the Extreme Motus wheelchairs. The devices are available for anyone to check out for free to take to national parks or any other outdoor excursion, Leifson said.

Related topics