OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, Wis. — Traversing the trails at Plamann Park and Mosquito Hill in Outagamie County just got a bit easier for those with disability or mobility issues.
The Outagamie County Parks System added four unique wheelchairs to help make exploring the Wisconsin outdoors more accessible.
Loren Dieck is the Outagamie County Parks director and Mike Hubbard is the Mosquito Hill Nature Center director. They said they hope the chairs encourage all to get out and roam.
“Recreational opportunities shouldn’t be limited to those who are able-bodied. It should be open to everyone, regardless of ability or age,” Dieck said.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to open Mosquito Hill Nature Center up to those needing special help and have it available for school field trips and public programs,” Hubbard said.
Trails can be pretty rough for seniors and those who have a tough time getting around.
Hubbard has worked with the Mosquito Hill Nature Center for 22 years. He said these chairs are a game-changer.
“We’ve had to in the past give people rides to the top of the hill with some of our equipment, but this is a much safer alternative to having to do that,” Hubbard said.
The wheelchairs have tracks instead of wheels. Hubbard said that makes navigation easier on rugged trails.
The chairs are also self-propelled. He said for those with mobility issues, this means independence.
“To come out and enjoy the property on their own and not have to be transported around. So, it gives them some freedom,” Hubbard said.
The Outagamie Parks System wants to make its waterways inclusive as well. Program supervisor Sarah Sura said the county purchased two floating wheelchairs.
“There’s three wheels, and they are like inner tubes, so they float, and there are two armrests on the wheel, or on the chairs themselves that also float, so it keeps them from tipping over,” Sura said.
Be it lakes, parks or trails, Dieck said the great outdoors should be enjoyed by all.
“We’d love to provide things that people get excited about, any type of recreational opportunity and any way we can get people out in nature and share our passion for nature is great,” Dieck said.
Children and adults weighing less than 300 pounds can use the chairs. Those using the A-T (all-terrain) chairs have to follow a designated park map to ensure safety.