Grand Haven State Park

Usually a beach area doesn’t mix too well with regular wheelchairs or powerchairs because of the sand. However, Grand Haven State Park has a wonderful “sand wheelchair” you can borrow that rolls incredibly easy over the sand. We were a bit skeptical, but after pushing our son (who is 16 and over 100 pounds), it was amazing how great this chair worked in the sand. Unfortunately, they only have one for now (they have another version that apparently doesn’t work very well according to others we spoke with), but if you can get this one (see the picture), you can take the special needs person right down close to the water. Again, the drawback is that they only have one of this model available, but the Grand Haven State Park has really done a great service to have this one. Obviously, the more demand might inspire them to get more, so make sure you ask about using it when you are there. When you pull in, head toward the south end of the parking lot…there is a building with bathrooms, changing areas, and food and this is where this special chair is located.