Hawaiian Falls hosted Champions Day at all five of its North Texas water parks for children and adults with special needs. The “Champions” (special needs children or adults) were admitted free. Family members and caregiver were offered discounted tickets.

Lisa Kirkwood of The Colony commented that her special needs daughter Frankie, 30,  wouldn’t be there on a regular operating day because the normal hustle and bustle would be overly stimulating. Mrs. Kirkwood said Frankie came rushing over after riding the first slide and said she’d already made a new friend. Within the first hour Frankie had ridden several slides and was having fun.

Special needs kids and their families had exclusive use of the park from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. before the parks opened to the public. The Champions and caregivers could then stay all day or leave whenever they wished.

John Walls of Prosper appreciated the early access where they could enjoy the park when it wasn’t crowded. His daughter Sydney has Type 1 Diabetes.

To be sensitive to the Champions’ special needs, Hawaiian Falls turned down the music, added more staff to assist families, and asked their staff to only blow their whistles when absolutely necessary.

Hawaiian Falls operates water parks in Garland, The Colony, Mansfield, Roanoke and Waco. In addition, Hawaiian Falls has combination water park – adventure park – event centers in Pflugerville and White Settlement. More info at hfalls.com or facebook.com/hfalls.