Another Dream Coming True for Barney

Another dream came true for Barney Moore four years ago when he was able to go swimming for the first time in 30 years. After fellow Lake Wales resident Bill Redmon and Redmon's Kings Trail Church of Frostproof raised $2,000 to purchase a Mobi Chair fully equipped to roll from the beach at Lake Aurora Christian Camp into the water, Moore was floating across the lake, his face glowing as the sun came out of the clouds and the rain stopped long enough for a second swim.

"Let me just enjoy it," says Moore, when asked how it feels to be in the water. "It was great to be floating in the water, but not so great when I wasn't paying attention and almost tipped over."

Moore, a 58-year-old born with cerebral palsy quad-atonic who has spent most of his life using a wheel chair, says his mother would be so pleased to see him floating in the lake, fulfilling another dream. "Now I have to come up with more dreams because all my dreams keep coming true. You might as well dream big and keep dreaming."

Ten years ago Moore saw the fulfillment of Barney's Dream, a playground for children with varying abilities. Moore's big new dream is sharing in Redmon's vision to create Stirring Waters, Florida's first water park and therapy center specifically for children, families and veterans dealing with disabilities. He serves on the Stirring Waters board of directors.

The $12 million, 3-acre aquatic adventure center is designed intentionally to be fully inclusive. Redmon conceived the name "Stirring Waters" in 2015, based on a biblical story in the Gospel of John.

"This waterpark is a place for whole families living with disabilities to get off the deck and into the fun," explains Redmon, whose team already has raised $1.1 million. "It's designed by therapists and aquatic professionals to provide thrilling experiences for people with all abilities.

With 500 visitors expected daily, Stirring Waters will feature a heated therapy pool; a 6,000-square-foot Oasis Adventure wet play area; quiet gardens and quiet bathrooms for those who need a special space; textured paths to lead those who have no sight; ultra-inclusive bathrooms that include built-in lifts and adult changing areas; and family housing in The Villages.

"We're creating the world's first big slide, The Includer! designed to be accessed independently by a person who is quadriplegic so anyone who wants to go down the slide can do so," Redmon said. "Our Lazy River allows people to float while still in wheelchairs. The Spring is a place of adventure, exploration and adaptive scuba instruction."

Plans are for Stirring Waters to be built in two phases on part of the 75 acres of the Lake Aurora Christian Camp & Retreat Center at 237 Golden Bough Road in Lake Wales.

Visit http://www.stirringh2o.com and call Redmon at 863-632-1924 for more information.