Barrier Free Boating is a 501(c)3 organization created as the result of Mr. Al Sorge of Otter Lake, Michigan who learned how difficult outdoor recreation such as boating or fishing could be for a wheelchair bound individual by sharing these activities with his life long friend.
The goal at Barrier Free Boating is to provide the means for the physically handicapped individual to experience outdoor recreational activities without great difficulty. Thanks to grants from the Lapeer County Community Foundation (LCCF), The Filippis Foundation and donations from many other individuals and businesses, a new 648 square foot wheelchair accessible dock was constructed and installed at the Otter Lake Village Park. A gala Grand Opening was held June 8, 2013 complete with a free pig roast, food and pontoon rides.
No tax dollars were used in the construction of this dock or purchase of the boat. Therefore the dock is open to the public however, the boat is reserved for physically disabled individuals and their families, veteran's groups, group homes and youth organizations.
