Mason Neck State Park debuted the new All-Terrain Wheelchair program Sept. 25 that is available for guests who are wheelchair users or for those with mobility impairments. These chairs are all-terrain, electric powered wheelchairs that can be used on designated trails within the park.
All-Terrain Wheelchairs are available in each of the park system’s six regions. In addition to Mason Neck, they are at Claytor Lake, Powhatan, Shenandoah River, Wilderness Road and York River state parks.
“We are excited to launch this program in the lead-up to National Public Lands Day as a part of our commitment to making the Commonwealth’s public lands more accessible for all,” said DCR Director Wells. “Accessibility is fundamental in the Virginia State Park system and we are excited to continue to create best in class recreational spaces for all to enjoy.”
“The all-terrain wheelchairs provide guests with limited mobility another option to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. We are proud to start with these six locations and learn more about how these chairs work at our parks,” said Director of Virginia State Parks Dr. Melissa Baker.
All-Terrain Wheelchairs are specialized chairs with track wheels designed to navigate a wide range of landscapes that may be encountered in outdoor environments.
“Offering visitors the freedom to explore new adventures, these chairs provide individuals with mobility issues the opportunity to access and enjoy outdoor recreational areas that might otherwise not be accessible,” said Mason Neck State Park Manager Lance Elzie.
Funding from the Virginia State Parks license plate sales has contributed to the purchase of these chairs. Since becoming available for purchase in 2019, $15 in funding has been invested from each license plate purchase toward projects to improve the visitor experience and accessibility projects for all park visitors.
As part of their commitment to making Virginia’s public lands places for all to enjoy, DCR, Virginia Department of Forestry, and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources are in the process of evaluating safety concerns and the environmental impacts of opening these trails on public lands to the use of other power-driven mobility devices.
“Everyone deserves equal access to nature’s beauty and benefits and today we are one step closer to achieving that,” said Delegate Rozia Henson.
House Bill 1186 was introduced by Delegate Kathy Tran and established this pilot program that provides all-terrain wheelchairs at Virginia State Parks. This legislation passed in the House of Delegates and state Senate unanimously.
“I am so excited that, now, more Virginians will be able to enjoy the majesty of Mason Neck State Park and other state parks in Virginia,” said Tran. “Thanks to the Friends of Mason Neck State Park, Virginia Conservation Network, Virginia Association for Parks, disAbility Law Center of Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation for their partnership the last two years to implement an all-terrain wheelchair pilot to make our state parks more accessible.”
“This accessibility improvements at Mason Neck State Park will make this Northern Virginia jewel available to everyone,” said Senator Scott Surovell. “I am proud that Delegate Tran and I were able to prioritize legislation creating this pilot.”
The chairs are free to the public and available for both children and adults but must be reserved in advance. It is encouraged that guests make a reservation request at least 48 hours in advance at Virginia State Parks -All-Terrain Wheelchair Reservation Request to give notice when you’d like to use a wheelchair.
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