Tennessee State Parks expanded its all-terrain wheelchair program to ten additional parks, bringing the total to 22 parks equipped with these specialized chairs.
This expansion results from a collaborative effort between the parks, Sunrise Medical, and the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging.
Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for conservation at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, emphasized the significance of this development for the parks and expressed eagerness to provide the new service.
“We are grateful for the work of Sunrise Medical and our partnership with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. Tennessee State Parks are forever and for everyone,” Tidwell explained, as reported by Summer County Source on July 13.
Sunrise Medical designed and manufactured all-terrain wheelchairs engineered to navigate diverse terrains. These chairs enable visitors with limited mobility to explore previously inaccessible areas of the parks. They are available for free use by children and adults and can be operated independently or with caretaker control.
Larry Jackson, president of Sunrise Medical North America, highlighted the company’s belief that everyone should have the opportunity to explore Tennessee’s state parks, regardless of ability, with the help of their magic mobility power chairs.
He expressed excitement about partnering with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to realize this vision. Jackson hoped other states would follow Tennessee’s example in providing more outdoor opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The newly-equipped parks include Cedars of Lebanon, Cordell Hull Birthplace, David Crockett, Fall Creek Falls, Fort Pillow, Harrison Bay, Indian Mountain, Meeman-Shelby Forest, Nathan Bedford Forrest, and Sgt. Alvin C. York State Parks.
Brad Turner, commissioner of the Department of Disability and Aging, noted that all-terrain wheelchairs enable people with disabilities and older adults to experience the natural beauty of Tennessee State Parks, which would otherwise be inaccessible.
“I want to thank Tennessee State Parks and Sunrise Medical for their partnership and unwavering commitment to making our parks accessible to all Tennesseans,” Turner added.
Tennessee State Parks’ expansion of their all-terrain wheelchair program highlights the benefits of providing accessible and inclusive parks. It can also serve as a model for private campgrounds and RV parks interested in improving accessibility offerings to campers. By offering specialized equipment, such as all-terrain wheelchairs, owners cater to diverse visitors and ensure that outdoor enthusiasts can explore and enjoy their surroundings regardless of mobility limitations.
