INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Parks will soon offer a major expansion of all-terrain wheelchairs, giving visitors with mobility disabilities greater access to trails and natural areas statewide.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is adding 45 electric-powered track chairs across the park system, with at least one chair planned for each state park property. The chairs use heavy duty tank-like treads that allow users to travel over rugged terrain, including dirt paths, sand and uneven ground.
State officials said the expansion is intended to open outdoor recreation to more people who previously could not access many areas of the parks.
“DNR works daily to ensure Indiana’s public lands are accessible to all. Whether it’s traversing a trail, viewing wildlife, enjoying the beach, fishing, hunting, or other outdoor pursuits, our DNR properties are open and welcome to Hoosiers of all interests and abilities. With support from Lilly Endowment, we’re proud to be the national leader in track chairs at our state parks.” -Alan Morrison, DNR director
The new chairs were funded through a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., part of a larger effort to improve park facilities and accessibility across Indiana. The program builds on earlier efforts that placed about 15 track chairs at select parks, where they allowed users to navigate trails, beaches and other natural features with assistance from park staff.
The chairs will be available at no cost for visitors with mobility disabilities. Users typically must sign an agreement, may need to reserve the equipment in advance and will receive basic training from park staff before using the chairs. Officials said the equipment can handle obstacles such as rocks, roots and steep or uneven terrain, making it possible for more visitors to hike and explore areas that were previously inaccessible.
Demonstrations of the new track chairs are planned in Indianapolis, with a broader rollout expected in the coming months as the equipment is distributed to parks statewide. Advocates say the expansion could be transformative for people with disabilities, allowing them to experience Indiana’s state parks in ways that were not previously possible.
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The one that started it all. Trackchair® was created for those facing mobility challenges to enable them to experience the freedom of the great outdoors. We offer 10 models including three cleared by the FDA.
