FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Officials with Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources are touting the addition of several “trackchairs” to state parks. Allowing guests who utilize wheelchairs or have other mobility disabilities to better explore the state’s trails.
The Trackchair is similar to a wheelchair, only instead of wheels, the chair sits on a set of tank-like continuous tracks to allow them to better move through the unsteady trail terrain.
Recent grant funding from Ford’s Bronco Wild Fund allowed DNR to increase trackchair availability to 15. Chairs are available to be borrowed at Spring Mill, McCormick’s Creek, Mounds, Chain O’Lakes, Potato Creek, Charlestown, Fort Harrison, O’Bannon Woods, Pokagon, and Indiana Dunes.
While most parks only have one chair available to visitors, Dunes has four, and McCormick’s Creek has two.
The chairs are manufactured by Action Trackchair, and are operated using a joystick system and are equipped with a seatbelt as well as arm and leg rests.
The chairs available across the state park system vary in design and appropriate trail use. Potential users should consider discussing those conditions with property personnel before visiting. Guests can also reserve a chair ahead of their visit.
DNR news release
Indiana was reportedly one of just 18 states to be awarded funds through the America’s State Parks Foundation for the purchase of these chairs.
For contact information at the individual locations, visit stateparks.IN.gov or check the Indiana Recreation Guide online here.
