Track wheelchairs allow more access to nature trails in Outagamie County

APPLETON, WI – (WISS & WGBW) – People with disabilities or elderly people who tire easily now have a way to explore the nature trails at Plamann Park and Mosquito Hill Nature Center in Outagamie County. The Aging and Long Term Support Division and Outagamie County Parks Department have purchased two track wheelchairs for people to use. 

“They’re pretty incredible! Somebody put a lot of time and effort into creating these and making them what they are,” said Loren Dieck, Outagamie County Parks Director. “And what they are is, basically, a device that allows those who may not be able to normally access our nature trails do just that.” 

:16 OUT … just that (Loren 1)

The chairs are not wheelchairs, but rather a track chair. They use tracks or treads to roll over much of the terrain with ease. In fact, they are designed to withstand rain and mud.

“It doesn’t necessarily only apply to those who have a disability,” said Dieck. “It could be our elderly population who just have a hard time in general navigating some of the uneven terrain. Maybe they get winded quickly. There’s a lot of different variables at play that would allow people to use these chairs.”

:16 OUT … these chairs (Loren 2)

Using track wheelchairs

Dieck recommends calling the Outagamie County Parks Office to reserve chair time at Plamann Park. Call Mosquito Hill to reserve the chair there. Reservations are on a first-come/first-served basis. Trail maps will be provided for riders. And the chairs cannot leave the properties.

He said people can use the chairs for 2 hours at a time. “A two-hour window should basically – You should be able to get on most if not all of our nature trails in the park here at Plamann and at the Mosquito Hill Nature Center,” said Dieck.

:08 OUT … nature center (Loren 5)

Funding came from a grant

Funding for the tracked chairs came from a transportation grant sought by Amie Bastian, Outagamie County’s Aging and Long Term Support Manager. 

“The purchase price of these chairs was roughly $19,000 each,” Diecks said. “Without the collaborations between Outagamie County Parks and our Health and Human Service Department, this would not have been possible.

:12 OUT … been possible (Loren 3) 

In addition to the track chairs, Dieck said the department also purchased two floating wheelchairs to allow more inclusive access to Plamann Lake. 

“Kinda the same idea, which allows those who may not be able to go swimming on their own, the chance to get into the water,” Dieck said.

:07 OUT … into the water (Loren 4)

Dieck said lifeguards at Plamann Lake will be able to help people into the floating wheelchairs, push them in the water, and tend to the people as they are floating in the water. 

See the press release from Outagamie County on the new track chairs below:

Press Release from Outagamie County

OUTAGAMIE COUNTY UNVEILS NEW TRACK CHAIRS TO MAKE PARKS MORE ACCESSIBLE

Available for people with mobility challenges to use at no cost.

APPLETON, WI – For people with disabilities getting outdoors in nature can be a challenge. But now, there is a tool available for visitors at two Outagamie County Parks locations. The Outagamie County Aging and Long Term Support Division in partnership with the Outagamie County Parks Department utilized Transportation Grant Funding to purchase two tracked wheelchairs.

These wheelchairs will be available to those who have a disability or mobility issues and allow them to navigate the nature trails in Plamann Park and Mosquito Hill Nature Center. Outagamie County is proud to offer the use of these free of charge, which will allow everyone an equal opportunity to access nature and share our love for the outdoors. 2-hour reservations can be made by calling the Outagamie County Parks Office for Plamann Park, and by calling Mosquito Hill directly for use at the Nature Center. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Designated trail maps will be provided and the machines must remain in Plamann Park and Mosquito Hill Nature Center.