LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington Parks and Recreation officials are aiming to make the city's parks and trails more accessible to patrons with limited to no mobility, announcing the launch of a pilot program for an Action Trackchair.

What You Need To Know

  • Action Trackchairs are all-terrain wheelchairs for people with limited mobility 

  • A Minnesota man created the chair in 2008 for his quadriplegic son 

  • Lexington is Kentucky's first city to offer this chair at its parks and trails 

  • The pilot program launches in 2025 at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary 

The city of Lexington purchased the chair to improve accessibility to walking trails. It’s part of a pilot program at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary set to launch in spring 2025.

Councilwoman Whitney Elliott Baxter (District 9) said it was part of a personal mission for her.

“My father suffered from some mobility issues and always was trying to figure out a way to get him into the outdoors with my kids so they could enjoy hiking and things like that," Baxter said.

A Minnesota man with a quadriplegic son designed the all-terrain wheelchair in 2008.

“Designed to get people with impaired mobility out on trails, farmland, wherever they might want to go to enjoy themselves," said Matt Schneider, owner of Kentucky Trackchair. "In the snow, sand, pretty much anywhere that’s not level." 

Schneider has a long career in physical therapy and also owns the Kentucky dealership of Action Trackchairs. He said it’s all about helping families spend more time outside together.

“I think it’s everything for the company to enable those who haven’t been able to get out and experience the trails to the outdoors and do the things they really want to enjoy," Schneider said.

The Urban County Council provided funding to launch the pilot program, who worked with Parks and Recreation. Monica Conrad, director of Lexington Parks and Recreation, said accessibility is at the forefront.

"From paved ADA trails to paved dog parks and playgrounds with accessible features, we want to make sure our parks are welcoming for everyone," Conrad said.

The chair will be available for reservation at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. If the program is popular, Baxter said the goal would be to purchase more Trackchairs for other parks and nature preserves.

"In the meantime, this chair will be able to move around from park-to-park if need be," Baxter said. "I have a feeling we'll hear a lot of stories similar to mine as we introduce the chair and get more feedback on the program."

Action Trackchairs are available in most states. Many people with limited mobility may own one; however, they can be costly and may be covered by insurance, depending on the company.

Related Stories