Parks & Recreation announces accessible trackchair program

Lexington Parks & Recreation is launching a pilot program for an Action Trackchair, allowing for more inclusive access to unpaved trails at natural area parks. The pilot program is expected to begin Spring 2025 at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and is the first of its kind in Kentucky.

"Accessibility is one of our top priorities for our city and our park system," said Mayor Linda Gorton. "While we are constantly making strides to make facilities and greenspaces more accessible, there has always been a challenge with unpaved nature trails. Launching this program allows more people to be able to experience nature and its many benefits."

The pilot program will utilize the STS model by Action Trackchair, a company specializing in all-terrain wheelchairs. Funding to launch the pilot program was provided by the Urban County Council, who worked with Lexington Parks & Recreation on the initiative.

"From the moment I discovered all-terrain, electric powered activity chairs were available to aid those with limited mobility in exploring and experiencing our city parks - on trails that were previously impossible for them to navigate - I was convinced this was an amenity Lexington residents should have," said 9th District Councilmember Whitney Elliott Baxter. "It offers users greater freedom, independence, and mobility for traversing steep inclines and uneven terrain while enjoying more of what our parks have to offer. It is my hope that every person in our community, regardless of mobility, can experience the exciting possibilities in our parks."

The program will launch with the chair being available for reservation for use at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. This will allow visitors to be able to access an additional five miles of unpaved trails at the park as well as participate in programs that typically take place along those trails, such as owl prowls, bird walks, and other nature programming.

The Action Trackchair will also be a resource for the city's Therapeutic Recreation program, which is a part of Parks & Recreation, that offers activities for people with disabilities and special needs. Having an all-terrain wheelchair will open access to even more parkland and varieties of nature education.

"Accessibility is paramount to everything we do," said Monica Conrad, Director of Lexington Parks & Recreation. "From paved ADA trails, such as the recently added Discovery Trail at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, to paved portions of dog parks, and playgrounds with accessible features - we want to make sure our parks are welcoming for everyone. This exciting, new trackchair program offers such a great opportunity to expand our offerings. We're looking forward to exploring where this program can go and potentially offering it at other parks in the future."

During the pilot program the trackchair will be accompanied by a guide who is able to offer assistance with the chair. A dedicated trackchair trail map will be developed to guide users on which trails are accessible with the chair and route options at the park.