Food and Fuel
Food vendors were available inside and in a cafeteria area offering fresh options, including protein shakes and smoothies. The cafeteria could get noisy, but outdoor seating was available on a beautiful spring day. For indoor options, vendor lounge spaces with couches were a great alternative for quieter snacking.
A Moment of Real Connection
While the event itself featured only professional athletes, one of the most memorable moments came from an unexpected interaction. At the Red Bull truck, a rep took time to talk with Brooke and Noah, listening to their athletic stories, encouraging them, and treating them with the same excitement and respect he gave the pros. It was a simple conversation, but powerful. In a space built for elite competition, these Special Olympics athletes were seen and celebrated.
Noah even leaned in confidently and asked the Red Bull rep for a sponsorship. The rep smiled wide and told him he had the heart of a champion. It was awesome.
Tips for Families
Whether it’s your first time at Grand Park or you’ve attended many events, here are our go-to tips:
- Arrive early to avoid overwhelming crowds.
- Bring what works—headphones, visuals, fidgets, snacks.
- Find your quiet zones early so they’re ready when you need them.
- Set flexible expectations—plan for an hour, and build from there.
- Use the re-entry pass to break up the day.
- Celebrate the wins—a successful moment, interaction, or just showing up.
The World Fitness Project may not be built specifically for neurodivergent guests—but with intention and flexibility, it was still an inclusive, empowering day.
After WFP: Birdies for Food & Mini Golf
Once the WFP competition wrapped up, we made a quick trip down the road to Birdies in Westfield. Located off State Road 32, it’s easy to find, though parking can be limited; plan ahead or consider carpooling on busy days.
Inside the restaurant, it’s quite loud with overhead lights, which in Brooke’s younger days, would have really bothered her. The tables are set fairly close together on the side closest to the bar and the doors to the outdoor golf and dining are open. There’s a lot of traffic coming from both ways, which adds a little uncontrollable chaos.
TIP: If you prefer a little less traffic and sound, ask to be seated on the far south side of the dining area away from the outdoor area.
We were met with a new menu that had just come out. We all were very satisfied with our selections: Between the three of us, we ordered an All American Burger and fries (Brooke’s mainstay), Sundried Tomato and Basil Grilled Chicken Sandwich on a brioche bun with sweet potato fries, and a Fish Sandwich, which was touted as an Old School Throwback, which had fried pickles and American cheese on it, served with tots (a nod to Napolean Dynamite).
Birdies is a mostly outdoor venue with a playful vibe and relaxed pace. The mini golf course is fun and manageable—even for those with sensory sensitivities. Being outside gave Brooke and Noah a chance to unwind without the pressure of crowds or noise. You can go at your own pace, which helped to ease transitions after attending WFP. Just a heads-up, it is a longer course, so plan for a little extra time. And when there is a larger crowd, there’s a lot of standing around and waiting. Having some extra things to do while the waiting is required would be beneficial. There are several places where other children were climbing on the rocks and finding ways to entertain themselves. Bring fidgets or allow for some screen time if needed—it helps pass the time during longer waits on the course.
