Among other efforts, the state parks system leads the nation in the number of track chairs, a mobility device designed to help people with mobility issues enjoy park trails and beaches.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan state parks system now leads the nation in providing accessible equipment for visitors. The department offers track chairs that let people with mobility challenges access park trails and beaches, explains Marsha Chartrand in The Manchester Mirror.
“Michigan’s 25 publicly-accessible chairs narrowly beats out Wisconsin’s 24 and Georgia’s 23, said Adam Henning, a representative for Action Manufacturing, the nation’s largest track chair company.” With 12 percent of adult Michigan residents experiencing a mobility issue, the chairs are one way to make nature accessible to all residents.
The state offers track chairs at 15 state parks and plans to add them to 10 others soon. The effort is part of a larger initiative to expand accessibility, which was boosted by a $220 million infusion of federal funding in 2022. Disability advocates say the chairs are a good start, but that accessibility considerations should be expanded to all park facilities and equipment, including bathroom stalls, water faucets, and picnic tables.
FULL STORY: Michigan state parks system leads the nation in accessible recreation
How States Are Improving Accessibility for Parks and Trails
State parks are introducing adaptive mobility devices to help more visitors enjoy natural spaces.
Report: NYC Transit Accessibility Depends on Congestion Pricing Revenue
The ability of the MTA to complete its accessibility upgrades relies on funding from the upcoming congestion pricing program.
Houston Makes ADA Upgrades to 5,000 Bus Stops
The project is part of a larger plan to make all of the region’s bus stops universally accessible.
Only Two US Metro Areas Are Affordable for Homebuyers
Northeast Ohio is the last remaining bastion of housing affordability, according to an analysis from the National Association of Realtors.
When ‘Prioritizing All Modes’ Is a Lie
In many cases, it’s impossible to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users without sacrificing some speed.
Great Album Covers with Urban Planning Themes
Album covers that evoke urban themes.
Musk ‘Supercomputer’ Raises Water, Power, and Pollution Concerns in Memphis
The facility, which was completed in just 122 days, was rushed through so quickly, it is still missing environmental permits and infrastructure needed to ensure it doesn’t put stress on the grid or local water supply.
School Drop-Off Traffic Is Causing a Congestion — and Social — Crisis
School drop-off lines are becoming longer and more isolating than ever.
Extraction on Tribal Lands Contributes to State Coffers
A recent investigation reveals that profits from oil, grazing, and other uses on state-managed tribal lands are funding off-reservation public institutions.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Riverside
City of Palmdale
City of Palmdale
Knoxville-Knox County Planning
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
City of Calabasas
City of Portland, ME