A group of folks with developmental disabilities had an absolute blast splishing and splashing in Seymour Lake Township Park on July 26.

They beat the heat by getting completely soaked at the KLR Splashpad during a social outing that was a collaborative effort between Oakland County Parks and the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department.

“We ended up with about 75. Not bad for a first time event,” said Sandy Dorey, a recreational therapist for the county parks department.

“I think it was a success tonight. Everyone seemed happy.”

The county has an Adaptive Recreation program that offers services and events that provide unique recreational options and opportunities for people of all ages with disabilities.

Basically, the program gives people with developmental disabilities a chance to “enjoy each other’s company” in a purely social setting, according to Dorey.

Dorey explained when they realized there were no events in “this quadrant” of the county, they contacted Oxford’s parks and recreation department to set something up.

“We try to service all of Oakland County, so people don’t have to drive as far,” she said.

The KLR Splashpad was the perfect venue because it’s universally accessible and it has two aquatic wheelchairs that allow disabled visitors to enjoy all of the fun water features without having to worry about getting their own wheelchair wet or damaging it.

“If anybody needs them, they can use them at any time,” noted Dan Sullivan, recreation supervisor for the Oxford department.

Along with the splashpad, there was food, music and games.

The folks who chose to get wet loved it.

“We had a few that didn’t want to come out,” Sullivan said.