'All-terrain' wheelchair available for use in Delaware state park. Other accessible parks

A new all-terrain wheelchair has been introduced in Newark’s White Clay Creek Park, in what is just the beginning of an initiative to improve accessibility throughout Delaware’s public parks.

The wheelchair was donated through the Ford Bronco Wild Fund and unveiled July 12 at the Deerfield Clubhouse at White Clay Creek State Park.

Here’s a look at what the wheelchair can do, how to go about reserving it and some of the most accessible public park options in Delaware.

The Action Trackchair

Delaware is home to tens of thousands of acres of parkland and natural resources that attract hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers from all over the region; but one glaring blight in natural tourism is the relative inaccessibility of natural landmarks.

Features like inclines or uneven terrain can pose a major setback for individuals with mobility challenges, and standard wheelchairs often are not enough to easily navigate trails and parks.

The Action Trackchair changes that. The Trackchair is equipped with features that make it operable in all different types of landscapes like mud, snow, sand and water and are adjustable based on the preference of the user.

Delaware received the donation for the Trackchair, which has a standard price of just under $20,000, after applying for the Bronco Wild Fund grant’s program with the National Association of State Park Directors.

During the event hosted by Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Delaware resident Jared Towery demonstrated the features of the Trackchair. Towery was attending the First State Military Academy in 2021 when he suffered a spinal cord surgery, making him paraplegic.

The Action Trackchair will be available at the White Clay Creek State Park, Delaware’s largest state park trail system.

The wheelchair can be reserved in 3-hour increments by calling the White Clay Creek State Park office at 302-368-6900. There is no fee associated with the reservation, but users must sign a waiver.

According to Michael Globetti, media relations manager with DNREC, the department is evaluating the acquisition of additional public wheelchairs in the future to be distributed in other parks around the state.

Improving accessibility in Delaware's parks

DNREC’s Division of Parks spelled out its initiative to bring more accessibility to public parks and natural spaces in its Strategic Plan. The current goal is to add 75 new accessible amenities to be installed in the state’s parks through 2026, including mobility mats, beach and all-terrain wheelchairs, paved paths, accessible hunting stands and more.

While there is room for progress in Delaware's parks on the accessibility front, there are still many options for people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors in the First State.

There are options for accessible non-tidal and tidal fishing around the state. Wilson’s Run in Brandywine Creek State Park has been used by disabled anglers for years, and hosts a fish derby for anglers with special needs and senior citizens every year.

Tidbury Pond near Dover and Newton Pond near Greenwood are also available for trout, bluegill and largemouth bass fishing. Tidbury Pond has accessible pondside locations and Newton Pond has an accessible floating fishing pier for anglers to use. Logan Lane pond near Kitts Hummock is only open to disabled individuals.

Other options for accessible fishing include

• Records Pond, Laurel
• Millsboro Pond, Millsboro
• Hearns Pond, Lake Shores
• Haven Lake, Milford
• Scotton Landing on the St. Jones River, Magnolia
• Broad Creek, Laurel
• Broadkill River, Milton
• Nanticoke River, Seaford
• Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier, Lewes

There are accessible hunting areas available throughout the state that vary depending on the extent of an individual’s disability. These can be found on DNREC’s website.

Beach wheelchairs are also available to be reserved at most beach towns, albeit are limited in supply.

For those who enjoy wildlife viewing, Augustine and Little Creek Wildlife Reserves have newly renovated accessible viewing towers available for use.

According to AllTrails, a digital platform that rates walking and hiking trails around the country, here are the top 10 best wheelchair-friendly trails in Delaware.

1. Gordons Pond Trail, Cape Henlopen State Park
2. Prickly Pear Trail
3. Junction and Breakwater Trail, Cape Henlopen State Park
4. Bob Trail, Trap Pond State Park
5. Walking Dunes Trail, Cape Henlopen State Park
6. Brandywine Branch Trail, Brandywine Park
7. Cape Henlopen Bike Loop
8. Newark Reservoir Trail
9. Brandywine Park Loop , Brandywine Park
10. New Castle Industrial Track Greenway, New Castle Battery Park

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.