In a move that's set to widen the horizon for outdoors enthusiasts, Duluth Parks and Recreation is now offering track wheelchair rentals at select parks and trails. Thanks to a generous grant awarded in 2023, visitors with mobility challenges can now traverse terrains that were previously out-of-bounds.

With $14,280 secured from the Greater MN Regional Parks and Trails Commission's Connecting People to the Outdoors grant, the track wheelchair—a mobility device featuring tracks for better off-road maneuvering—has become a reality for Duluth. The chair allows users, operating like a power wheelchair, to navigate through sand and more rugged natural surfaces effortlessly, reported Duluth Parks and Recreation.

The track wheelchair is based at Hartley Nature Center and is available for reservation around the Hartley Park area. Moreover, Duluth’s recreation staff is facilitating accessibility by transporting the chair to various programs upon request, enhancing participation for individuals who use wheelchairs.

Interested parties are encouraged to make reservations via the Duluth Parks and Recreation website, an easy process streamlined for user convenience. The free trackchair rentals are offered Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 2 pm, in two-hour increments. According to the announcement, "Users will be able to reserve the chair for use around Hartley Park," ensuring a tailored experience for park-goers.

Enhancing access to nature's envelope-pushers, Duluth's initiative represents a significant step towards inclusivity. By introducing such innovative equipment, Duluth Parks and Recreation is not only breaking barriers but reinforcing the idea that the great outdoors is indeed open to everyone.