The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park, located in Michigan, has launched an innovated program to make their park more accessible to those living with a disability. They call it the Track Chair Program. Essentially, visitors can reserve (for free) a heavy duty wheelchair to navigate trails they might not otherwise be able to experience. It is the first national park to implement a program like this, but they’re hoping that others will soon follow suit.

The Details

The track chair was actually established by an organization called Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes who is dedicated to increasing the accessibility of the park. The idea came about because so much of the park is classified as designated wilderness meaning that not many alterations are allowed. So, advocates knew that they had to come up with a more creative way to increase accessibility.

The track chair is essentially a vehicle people with disabilities can ride to enjoy the park just as every other visitor does. It eliminates the need for modifications to the park itself, but opens up access and makes the park more inclusive. This chair has treads that allow it to navigate sandy trails and steep hills well.

The chair must be reserved at least 3 days in advance, however its free for all individuals who own a National Park Pass. All you need to do is fill out the reservation form online and the Track Chair Coordinator will reach out to you. Of course, the chair should only be reserved by those who would have difficulty experiencing the park otherwise. This is because as of now, there is only one chair. After seeing how useful this piece of equipment has been for dozens of visitors since it launched in May, the park is working to purchase another chair. They hope to have one in hand by the end of the summer.

Currently, the chair is only available to be used on the Bay View Trail which is a 1.5 mile long trail that gives guests beautiful views of Lake Michigan and other sights.

Things to Keep in Mind

The chair comes with a first aid kit, emergency rain poncho, umbrella, and a small fleece blanket. Its creators encourage users to make sure they have all of the medical equipment and medication they need for the hike as the trail obviously does not have electricity, nor is there access to vehicles. Additionally, it is important to note that cell phone reception is not great on some areas of the trail so hikers using the chair should also be prepared for that.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the park does not have a transfer board so it is important for users to bring their own. Likewise, if you will need assistance moving to the chair, the staff emphasizes that a friend or caregiver should accompany you. While a Track Chair Host will be provided to assist you when you first get the chair, they have limited experience with transfer and so their ability to help is limited. these individuals are there to help you get familiar with the chair, help you test your skills before going on the trail, and explain trail etiquette.

The park also encourages users to check the weight limit of their medical equipment as the chair has a total limit of 350 pounds. While pets/service animals are allowed, they are not recommended because of the terrain of the hike. That said, if you would like them to join you on the hike, you must have a friend or caregiver there to handle them.

Looking Forward

The hope is that-

“Other national parks will implement similar programs in their own parks so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature—regardless of their disability.”

If you would like to contribute to this program, you can do so online, or through check/cash. If sending a donation by mail, please indicate it is for the Track Chair Program and mail to Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, P.O. Box 545, Empire, MI 49630.

You can read more about the Track Chair Program and how you can get involved here.