Wisconsin DNR to Host Outdoor Wheelchair Celebration

(TWO RIVERS, Wis.) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will celebrate the launch of a new outdoor wheelchair program on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, at Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers (meet at the Nature Center 9400 County Highway O). This new program will bring outdoor wheelchairs to various state-owned properties.

“These specially designed chairs allow people of all abilities to recreate within state parks and forests in new ways, providing universal access to trails and programs,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management Bureau Director.

Multiple outdoor wheelchairs, including motorized all-terrain wheelchairs with tracks, a manual all-terrain GRIT Freedom wheelchair and a beach wheelchair, will be available for attendees of all ages and abilities to try out at this event.

Outdoor wheelchair options available at state park properties around Wisconsin include both motorized and non-motorized devices. The DNR has motorized all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs featuring tracks that can handle rough, rocky and unstable surfaces – even snow!

The department also has a new manual all-terrain wheelchair, the GRIT Freedom Chair, which is a lever-driven wheelchair with rugged mountain bike wheels. There are also several properties that have beach wheelchairs, with large inflatable tires that allow for easy maneuvering on sand and entry into the water.

To learn more about accessible recreation and equipment offerings within state parks, visit the DNR’s Find A Park webpage.