Coral World Access Gets Seniors UpClose and Personal
Professor David James Demko, PhD
AgeVenture News Service
Up close and personal. That's the way we like it. Whether we're watching a football game or exploring the great outdoors ... everyone wants to experience life, up close and personal. So, if you're a nature lover, and who isn't, you'll be delighted to know that one of America's gems of nature, Coral World Marine Park, has managed to make the U.S. Virgin Island's coral reefs an "up close and personal encounter" for visitors with all ranges of ability.
In another step toward completion of its program to bring maximum accessibility to travelers with disabilities, Coral World Marine Park and Undersea Observatory has announced the completion of its wheelchair lift installation at the entrance to the Caribbean Reef Encounter. This exhibit is one of the world’s largest living coral reefs in a man-made setting. Activated by greeters and other designated staff members, the lift transports both guest and wheelchair safely above the steps to the center of the 80,000 gallon doughnut-shaped tank.
Trudie J. Prior, president and general manager, said, "This is an especially satisfying day for me. As part of the reconstruction following Hurricane Marilyn, we redesigned the park to provide accessibility to as many exhibits as possible. We created wheelchair accessible walkways to the major exhibits. Now, with the addition of the new lift, we have removed all obstacles to full viewing of the Caribbean Reef Encounter by guests with mobility impairments."
"Walkways and ramps allow guests to enjoy the Palm Court with nearby Shark Shallows and Touch Pool exhibits. Both exhibits are interactive: an aquarist ‘tells all’ about our juvenile sharks and everyone gets a chance to pet one; and at the Touch Pool, a staff member explains all about a West Indian sea egg, a sea cucumber, conch, star fish and other marine creatures there and shows you how to hold them gently."
"Our architects designed pathways to provide views of the Sting Ray and Turtle Pools, and a ramp around the Mangrove Lagoon gives access to one of our major halls, the Marine Gardens, where twenty-one jewel-like aquariums are housed. The top level of the Undersea Observatory, 100 feet offshore across a bridge, is open to all to enjoy spectacular views of neighboring cays, St. John and several British Virgin Islands.
Because the steps to the two lower levels of the Observatory, built in 1977, are circular staircases that may be difficult for some of our guests, the next project in our accessibility program is to have television monitors on the top level showing feedings in the Predator Tank and the non-captive marine life outside the bottom level windows fifteen feet below the sea."
"We have provided lots of interpretive signage so persons who are deaf or hard of hearing can access information and our numerous talks and feedings throughout the day - with opportunities to touch or feed some of the animals - make Coral World accessible to people with visual impairments as well. Of course, our new restrooms are wheelchair accessible and persons using wheelchairs will have no problem getting refreshment at Coral World," Prior concluded.
While research on the Internet about travel by persons with disabilities produces dismally low recommendations for the islands in the Caribbean, St. Thomas actually has a great deal to offer. Dial-A-Ride provides transportation and tours by pre-arrangement for the wheelchair explorer. Visitors with visual impairments can check their e-mail or make a phone call at the V.I. Resource Center – downtown on the waterfront.
Many resorts offer accessible rooms and features. The Hotel and Tourism Association can provide more information. If you like music, you may find jazz, classical, blues or reggae at accessible venues like Tillett Garden or the Reichhold Center for the Arts. Perhaps you simply want some outrageously delicious food in a tropical setting? According to the Department of Tourism, among St. Thomas’ several accessible restaurants are Smuggler’s Cove, Sea Grape, Iggy’s, Hard Rock Café, Palm Courts, Bay Winds and Windows on the Harbor.
Coral World Marine Park and Undersea Observatory, located at Coki Point on St. Thomas, is extending a large welcome mat and a memorable opportunity to travelers with disabilities. If you haven't yet experienced this Carribean gem, you're letting one of the best things in life pass you by. Coral World maintains a welcome website on the internet at:
Coral World Marine Park.
David Demko reports on lifestyle issues and trends in Aging America.
Submit reader comments to:
demko@demko.com
This column may be used, free-of-charge, by print and broadcast media
with the following attribution:
"David Demko, AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com"
Please see "Permissions" procedure on the AgeVenture HOME PAGE.
AgeVenture News Service, 21946 Pine Trace, Boca Raton, FL 33428 USA
Dr. David Demko, Editor
Voice-mail: 561-482-6271. E-mail: demko@demko.com
