Inaugural Lake Erie Odyssey Debuts at Waldameer, Creating a New Community Tradition for Individuals with Disabilities

Inaugural Lake Erie Odyssey Debuts at Waldameer, Creating a New Community Tradition for Individuals with Disabilities

ERIE, Pa. (September 12, 2026) Over 200 participants, alongside families, volunteers, and supporters, gathered Saturday at Waldameer Park in Erie for the inaugural Lake Erie Odyssey, a first-of-its-kind adapted obstacle course designed for teens and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Created by Barber National Institute, Lake Erie Odyssey transformed a portion of Waldameer into an inclusive adventure course where participants navigated 15 obstacles at their own pace, selected their preferred level of difficulty and celebrated personal achievements alongside family members, friends and volunteers.

The event grew from an adapted obstacle course experience that had been part of Barber Beast on the Bay and gained national attention following a feature in Sports Destination Management magazine.

"What began as a small, adapted experience has grown into something much larger," said Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey, executive vice president of Barber National Institute. "Today was about creating a space where individuals could challenge themselves, have fun and be celebrated for who they are. Seeing that vision come to life was incredibly rewarding."

Throughout the course, participants were supported by volunteers and course buddies while family members and spectators cheered them on. Waldameer's rides and attractions served as colorful landmarks along the route, creating a festival-like atmosphere that emphasized inclusion, encouragement and community.

For many participants, the event was about more than completing obstacles.

"Every person who crossed the finish line did so on their own terms," said Patrick Barber, senior vice president of Barber National Institute. "The goal was never simply to create an obstacle course. It was to create an experience where people felt empowered, supported and part of something bigger. That's exactly what happened today."

Designed as a choose-your-own-adventure experience, Lake Erie Odyssey allowed participants to tailor their journey based on comfort level and ability. Organizers worked closely with individuals, families and service providers during the planning process to ensure the event reflected the needs and interests of the disability community.

The event was made possible through the support of numerous community partners, including Palmiero Toyota, presenting sponsor, and Wabtec, which underwrote participation fees to ensure cost was not a barrier for anyone wishing to take part.

Additional support was provided by Logistics Plus, KeyBank, First National Bank, A Bridge to Independence, Wegmans, Lilly Broadcasting, Lamar, the Kyle and Lally Stayer Family Fund, Knox Law, Barnhart Transportation, AHN Saint Vincent and the Erie Sports Commission.

"We envisioned Lake Erie Odyssey as a community event from the beginning," said Robert Barber, senior vice president of Barber National Institute. "Today's turnout showed what can happen when organizations, businesses, volunteers and families come together around a shared belief that everyone deserves opportunities to experience adventure, achievement and belonging."

The event concluded with celebrations, photos and plenty of smiles as participants gathered for a post-event celebration at Rainbow Gardens.

About Barber National Institute

Barber National Institute is guided by compassion, innovation, and an unshakeable belief in human potential. We work every day to help make dreams come true for people of all abilities. Founded in 1952 by Dr. Gertrude A. Barber, we have grown from a single classroom into a comprehensive network of services for 5,400 adults and children with intellectual disabilities, autism, and behavioral health challenges. With locations in Bedford, Erie, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Somerset, and Warren, we empower children, adults, and families through education, residential options, employment, and community programs. We carry forward Dr. Barber's legacy and vision for a world where everyone belongs and lives to their fullest potential.