Jared Towery, who became paraplegic in 2021 while training for enlistment into the U.S. Marines, demoed the new Action Trackchair that will be used at White Clay Creek State Park. His grandmother, Linda Lopez, left, has become an advocate for accessibility upgrades through the state.
DNREC on Friday unveiled a new wheelchair that operates with a continuous track, like a military tank, and is designed to handle mud, sand, snow and water.
The Action Trackchair , which retails for about $20,000, was acquired with a grant from the Ford Bronco Wild Fund.
It is the state’s first all-terrain wheelchair and will be available to the public by reservation.
The Trackchair will be housed at White Clay Creek State Park, which has the largest trail system in Delaware State Parks.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control showed off its newest acquisition at Deerfield Clubhouse in an event that also highlighted statewide accessibility improvements.
Delaware competed for one of seven AXIS model Trackchairs provided through the Bronco Wild Fund Access Grants and the National Association of State Park Directors.
The goal of the chair, and the parks, is to enable people with mobility challenges to explore and enjoy nature.
Wheelchair features
The chair is the only one on the market with the ability to bring the user into the standing position and can be driven while standing or sitting.
Its “Tilt on the fly” feature allows for adjustable angles that fit each user’s preference.
“Like DNREC, the Bronco Wild Fund aims to connect people to the outdoors by increasing access, and the Trackchair does just that,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We are grateful to Ford for granting us this chair to allow even more visitors to the great outdoors.”
On hand to demonstrate the Action Trackchair’s features was Jared Towery, who became paraplegic at the First State Military Academy in 2021 while training for enlistment into the U.S. Marines.
His grandmother, Linda Lopez, has become a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and accessibility upgrades throughout the state.
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The Delaware State Parks’ Strategic Plan includes a goal of adding or improving more than 70 accessible amenities. These updates include mobility mats, beach wheelchairs, adaptive kayak launches, paved paths, accessible hunting stands, additional all-terrain wheelchairs and campsites specifically designed for individuals in wheelchairs.
The Bronco Wild Fund aims to responsibly connect people to the outdoors by increasing access, preservation and stewardship of the great outdoors.
Through collaboration with America’s State Parks and America’s State Park Foundation, Bronco Wild Fund targets projects and creates events that inspire and enhance outdoor recreation.
National Association of State Park Directors brings together state park leaders and professionals to foster collaboration, share best practices, and advocate for policies that support the sustainable management and enjoyment of each state’s treasured public lands.
To reserve the Action Trackchair for use in Delaware State Parks, call the White Clay Creek State Park Office at 302-368-6900.
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