Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors has launched a new adaptive hiking program for youth.
Through the department’s therapeutic recreation division, the program utilizes Grit junior freedom chairs to open access to trails to children with mobility challenges, a Parks and Outdoors press release said. The all-terrain, manual wheelchairs are designed “to conquer outdoor environments that standard wheelchairs cannot handle.”
The chairs are built from mountain bike parts, making the chairs capable of covering dirt, gravel, sand, mud and grass terrains, the press release said.
The therapeutic recreation team has also received four specialized kayaks and adaptive gear to enable water access for people with paralysis or other disabilities, according to the press release.
Funding for the equipment comes from a quality of life grant through the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the press release said. The grants “support nonprofit organizations and municipal governments that mirror the foundation’s mission to foster inclusion and community engagement for those affected by paralysis.”
Adaptive kayaking programs will continue in the summer, the press release said. Hikes are planned for spring through fall, taking place twice a month at different locations.
Those interested in the adaptive hiking program or the junior freedom chairs should contact the therapeutic recreation division. For more information, contact Nate Sirmans at nsirmans@chattanooga.gov.
— Compiled by Sam Still