New all-terrain track chair program launches in Lexington next spring

A new all-terrain wheelchair is expected to open up natural areas in Lexington to more people. A demonstration took place Monday at McConnell Springs.

The pilot program with the Action Track Chair will launch next spring at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. It’s the first of its kind in Kentucky. Ninth Council District Representative Whitney Baxter demonstrated the electric-powered stick-directed chair with slotted belts on wheels following her remarks at the news conference.

“It offers users greater freedom, independence, and mobility for transversing steep inclines and uneven terrain while enjoying more of what our parks have to offer,” said Baxter.

The Track Chair can be operated remotely by someone walking behind the all-terrain wheelchair. In a statement, Mayor Linda Gorton said strides are constantly being made to increase accessibility to facilities and greenspace, but unpaved nature trails have presented challenges.

Parks and Recreation Director Monica Conrad said during Monday’s news conference at McConnell Springs the trackchair can be moved from one park to another.

“All park visitors as Council Member Baxter mentioned will have access to parks and parks programming that occurs along our trails including owl prowls, bird walks, and other nature programming throughout our system,” said Conrad.

Action Trackchair Sales Manager Matt Bottelberghe said a fully charged chair can travel seven miles. Council Member Whitney Baxter said accessibility is important to her as she remembers how her father loved to get outside with his family.

Lexington Parks and Recreation is a financial contributor to Weku.

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