Print Story Email Story Discuss Story (0)

Recommend ( 0 )

News-Sun photo by CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY Twin pillar water toys work well as bumper cars. Each is equipped with a water canon.

click any photo to view this story's photo gallery

Related Links

advertisement

published: Sunday, September 02, 2012

Splish splashing on Lake Verona

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

AVON PARK -- After a year of patiently working through the process, Bobby Talley and Judy McCarter have opened Sight Unseen Enterprises at Donaldson Beach.

Just beginning -- grand opening isn't until Sept. 29, and not all the play toys and games have arrived -- Sight Unseen welcomes customers. Two "twin pillar" water vehicles are available for fun.

Twin pillars are comprised of two giant wheels perhaps 6 feet in diameter, wide enough to float on the water. Two seats are suspended between the wheels. The craft is pedal powered. It comes equipped with a water canon.

For $12, two people can play for a half an hour.

Vickie Kerklin, who has two grown daughters, was laughing and puffing a bit when she was done. "It's a lot of fun," she said, "but lot's of work."

Land-based games are also set up. There is bean bag toss and ladder ball, for example.

The idea of a place where families could come and play together has long been a dream for Talley and McCarter. They have had to work harder to fulfill their dream than most entrepreneurs, because both are disabled. Tally is blind.

Government grants, part of a program to help the disabled to create their own businesses, underwrite the venture.

"We want to have fun like we used to," Talley said. "Moms and dads and their kids doing family activities. Kids need that these days. They need to get out of the house."

Tally and McCarter plan to expand. They will have paddle boats, checkers, dominoes and eventually team sports like flag ball and tug of war.

"We'll challenge people to play games blindfolded," Tally said with a grin, "like dart throw. I know you can do it, because I can do it, and I know it's fun."

Enterprise Unseen is open today and Monday from 12 to 6 p.m. Go to the tent at the side of the Senior Center. Call 257-4791 for more information.