Buckle up, nature lovers with mobility issues, your access to Colorado Springs' great outdoors just got a whole lot better. The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department (PRCS) has dialed up its Trackchair Program, now adding Ute Valley Park and Bluestem Prairie Open Space to the mix come October. According to the City of Colorado Springs, these open spaces will soon be navigable for everyone, courtesy of their not-so-standard wheelchairs designed specifically for the rough and tumble of the trails.
Started just a year ago, the program threw open the doors to Red Rock Canyon and Blodgett open spaces with 12 initial reservations. Now, they're playing a quite different ballgame. The tally's jumped, scratch that, skyrocketed to over 220 sessions spread across four open spaces. "We are excited to offer more opportunities for everyone to explore and enjoy our amazing open spaces," as per the City of Colorado Springs. Regional Parks Manager Scott Abbott shared with glee in a statement.
Trackchair isn't your run-of-the-mill wheelchair. It's juiced up with rear stability wheels, a four-point harness, and even dual port USB (because why not stay charged while you trek). Not to leave anyone in the dust, they've also thrown in attendant control for that extra pair of hands, courtesy of volunteers and Park and Recreation staff, to assist with the nitty-gritty of manoeuvring. This isn't just a chair; it's essentially an all-terrain vehicle for those who could use the mobility boost, ensuring no one misses out on the beauty Colorado Springs' trails have to offer.
