SPOKANE COUNTY – Visitors have just over a month left to experience Riverside State Park’s Action Trackchair before the equipment returns to its regular location.
The motorized wheelchair, designed to navigate all kinds of terrain, has been helping visitors with mobility challenges access Washington’s natural trails since arriving at the park in November. The equipment is normally based on the west side of the state but was brought to Riverside State Park for the first time as part of a pilot program that ends on May 1st.
Rex Schultz, community engagement manager at the park, said the trackchair has opened new opportunities for visitors during its months-long stay.
“People have been out fishing from the trail, people have been out on all of the trails that we have laid out,” Schultz said.
The trackchair operates with a simple joystick control system and is designed to remain stable even on bumpy terrain. While users need assistance getting into the chair, the device is relatively easy to operate once in motion.
“Going over bumps in life is part of the fun of the challenge,” Schultz said.
The trackchair is available free of charge through reservations made with the park office. Each session lasts 90 minutes, providing enough time for riders to explore several trails in the area.
For Schultz, bringing this accessibility option to the community has personal significance.
“For something as an able-bodied person that I take for granted, to be able to play a small part in providing that for someone else is really meaningful,” he said.
With just over a month remaining in the program, park officials report that reservations are filling up quickly. However, they are maintaining a waitlist for interested visitors who want to experience the trails through the trackchair.
“You can look around and enjoy your surroundings while you are hiking, and hopefully just enjoy the experience,” Schultz said.
You can find more information on the program here.
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