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By Pascha Deam
Pioneer Staff Writer
FREMONT -Will Pardee hasn't had many chances to get close to
the Muskegon River since a diving accident left him with injuries
that paralyzed his arms and legs 20 years ago.
Now, with the Big Rapids Riverwalk project in its beginning
stages, Pardee is excited about the opportunity he'll have to
spend time at the river like he used to long ago.
"To me, it means a lot," he said."I like the water and getting
to the river is really hard to do."
Pardee has lived in a wheelchair since the accident, which took
place near Fremont in August 1981. While preparing to head out
on the Muskegon River in an inner tube, Pardee tossed his tube
in the river and then dove into the water headfirst from shore.
He hadn't been around the area for a few years and didn't realize
this part of the river had become shallow. When he struck the
bottom of the river, he fractured a vertebrae.
Pardee, who lives in Fremont, grew up by the river and spent
a lot of his time utilizing it for recreational activities.
"The talent I have is from the Lord," he said. "God
has given me the talent and the strength to live life in a wheelchair."
Pardee began drawing when his wife, Sarah, encouraged him to
try it about a year after his accident. He decided to take on
the challenge because he was bored and looking for something new
to do with his time.
Pardee has sold his work at the Labor Day festival off and on
for about five years. This year, his booth was located across
from an informational booth about the Riverwalk.
At one point during the day he wandered over to the Riverwalk
table to check it out.
"At first I didn't realize it was geared toward disabled
people," he said.
After talking with someone who was manning the booth, he learned
the project was aimed at allowing handicapped individuals the
opportunity to spend time at the river. He said the proposal impressed
him.
"It sounds like it will be set up where wheelchairs can
navigate quite well," said Pardee.
Accessibility is a rare thing, especially when it comes to the
river," he added.
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