VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Virginia’s state park system now has seven parks with all-terrain wheelchairs, as First Landing State Park recently acquired a chair of its own.
Six other Virginia State Parks currently have ATWs that service each region. Those parks with chairs include Claytor Lake, Mason Neck, New River Trail, Powhatan, Shenandoah River, York River and Wilderness Road.
The outdoor power wheelchair at First Landing has pneumatic rubber wheels instead of tracks. The tires are a newer option that provides a comfortable experience on the terrain for the person using the ATW.
“Not only is this mobility chair a great addition for those with limitations, but it is also welcoming for their family members or friends who can enjoy the experience with their loved one,” said First Landing State Park Manager Bruce Widener. “Having limitations that keep a person from enjoying all the beauty in nature that the park has to offer can be very frustrating to those individuals. We will enhance visitors’ experiences by getting them back on to the trails with this new adventure mobility chair.”
Virginia Association for Parks raised funds for the all-terrain wheelchair, and the remainder was paid for through Virginia State Parks license plate funds.
“I think it’s pretty remarkable that our park was able to open up over 5 miles of trail for ATW use,” said Widener. “Visitors to those trails will have some amazing scenery with bald cypress trees and Spanish moss, along with some picturesque views of Broad Bay.”
To help serve visitors better, reservation requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance at Virginia State Parks – All-Terrain Wheelchair Reservation Request (microsoft.com) to give the park notice when you’d like to use a wheelchair. An advanced request is not a confirmed reservation, but gives park staff the necessary time to ensure the availability of wheelchairs and make your experience even more enjoyable.
First Landing State Park does allow you to make reservations on same the day of your arrival as long as the chair is available.
For more information on how to reserve an ATW at the park, visit: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/all-terrain-wheelchairs
For more information about accessibility at Virginia State Parks, visit: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/accessibility.
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That powered wheelchair would be nice for cruising around Cape Charles streets with the golfcarts. Would fit right in. I wonder how fast they cruise at top speed…
The new Extreme Motus F18c Predator model ATW will do a breath taking 24 mph, comes with stereo, headlights, turn signals and a heads up display for a cool $26,995°°.