New “SoloRider” golf carts at Springfield golf courses, expanding access for disabled golfers John Budenas — WWLP

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and city officials held a special demonstration at Veterans Memorial Golf Course on Wednesday, showcasing new SoloRider adaptive golf carts now available at Springfield’s two municipal golf courses.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and city officials held a special demonstration at Veterans Memorial Golf Course on Wednesday, showcasing new SoloRider adaptive golf carts now available at Springfield’s two municipal golf courses.

The initiative aims to make the sport more accessible to golfers with physical disabilities, allowing them to enjoy the game in a safe and inclusive manner.

Courtesy of the City of Springfield

Mayor Sarno was joined by Health & Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, Parks, Buildings, & Recreation Management Director Thomas Ashe, and other city leaders, along with representatives from the Springfield Lodge of Elks #61, who collaborated on bringing these adaptive carts to the courses.

The effort to secure the SoloRider carts was driven by advocacy from Mike Foster, a former Springfield police officer who is now disabled, and supported by Elks representatives Gary Delisle and Jeff Barbeau. Their collaboration, along with the city’s Parks and Health Departments, led to the purchase of two adaptive golf carts, which will now be available at both Franconia Golf Course and Veterans Memorial Golf Course.

Courtesy of the City of Springfield

Courtesy of the City of Springfield

During the demonstration, Senior Greens Superintendent Anthony Kowal showed how the specially designed SoloRider carts work, giving golfers with documented physical disabilities the ability to navigate the course and play comfortably.

“I am so thankful to PBRM Executive Director Ashe, HHS Commissioner Caulton Harris, the Commission of Disabilities, and my brother and sister Elks for their collaboration on this inclusive project for the City of Springfield’s beautiful golf courses,” Mayor Sarno said. “As Mike shared when we first announced this initiative, he not only advocated for this initiative for himself to have access to the courses, but more importantly for those young and old, who can take advantage and enjoy this accessibility to the game of golf.”

The addition of these adaptive carts is part of Springfield’s broader effort to improve accessibility and inclusivity across its public amenities. The mayor also highlighted ongoing renovations at the Veterans Clubhouse, with similar upgrades underway at Franconia Golf Course.

For golfers with physical disabilities interested in using the adaptive carts, they are now available at both municipal courses in Springfield. You can watch footage of the demonstration on YouTube.

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