Georgia Department of Natural Resources Expands Outdoors Beyond Barriers Initiative - Enhancing Outdoor Experiences for All Visitors

ATLANTA, GA

Mon, 06/24/2024 - 03:00

Following the successful introduction of 11 all-terrain wheelchairs in 2022, Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are proud to announce an expansion of their comprehensive outdoor accessibility program Outdoors Beyond Barriers. This initiative aims to grow accessibility options across the state, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of physical limitations, can fully enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Georgia's state parks and outdoor spaces.

Nine more Action Trackchairs (ATC) at an additional eight state parks and historic sites will be available for people with mobility impairments. This expansion, in partnership with Aimee Copeland Foundation’s All Terrain Georgia, brings the total to 20 Action Trackchairs available at 19 locations. The new sites equipped with ATCs are:

Skidaway Island State Park, Savannah
Seminole State Park, Donalsonville
Indian Springs State Park, Flovilla
Richard B. Russell State Park, Elberton
Crooked River State Park, St.Marys
General Coffee State Park, Nicholls
Wormsloe State Historic Site, Savannah
A.H. Stephens State Park, Crawfordville
Little Ocmulgee State Park, Helena

Chair reservations can be made through All Terrain Georgia’s website, www.allterraingeorgia.org.

“The addition of these chairs at our state parks will help to remove some of the obstacles associated with getting outdoors for those with mobility issues,” said Commissioner Walter Rabon of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. “I’m excited to see the Outdoors Beyond Barriers program continue to grow, making the outdoors more accessible for all Georgians, as well as our out-of-state visitors.” The Outdoors Beyond Barriers program is part of Georgia DNR’s renewed commitment to expanding accessible hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities to those with physical limitations.

In addition to the Action Trackchairs, Georgia State Parks will introduce GRIT Chairs—a hybrid between a manual wheelchair and a mountain bike—enhancing mobility on varied terrains, made possible with a grant provided by the Bronco Wild Fund. Furthermore, in collaboration with EnChroma®, color blind visitors will be supported with color accessibility glasses, ensuring everyone can experience the full spectrum of nature’s beauty.

The new Action Trackchairs will be available starting this week, while the GRIT Chairs and color-blind glasses will be rolled out later this year. Visitors can check the Georgia State Parks website for availability updates.

Additional Accessibility offerings at Georgia’s State Parks include:

ADA Cabins: These cabins are designed to offer a comfortable and accessible overnight stay in the heart of nature, without compromising on the charm and experience.
Accessible Trails: A network of trails catering to various abilities, ensuring everyone can explore the great outdoors.
ADA Kayak Launches: Available at Hard Labor Creek State Park, facilitating kayaking for individuals with disabilities. Additional launches planned for Jack Hill, Vogel and Tallulah Gorge state parks.
ADA Horse Ramp: Located at Don Carter State Park, enabling accessible horseback riding.
Special Accessible Hunts: Registration for adaptive hunts at select Georgia state parks and wildlife management areas will be announced soon. For more information on the hunts, visitors can go to https://gadnr.org/hunting-accessibilities.

For more information on the Outdoors Beyond Barriers initiative and to check the availability of accessibility features at specific state parks, please visit https://gastateparks.org/Accessibility.

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