State parks more accessible for those with mobility limitations

Paula Russo
·3 min read

Florida is well-known by residents and visitors as a world-class destination for outdoor experiences, but these opportunities to enjoy our state’s natural wonders have not always been accessible to everyone.

Paula Russo
Paula Russo

July is recognized as Disability Pride Month, and each July 26 marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is a time to amplify the voices of members in the disability community, celebrate their important contributions and recognize what support is needed.

Through my work with the Florida State Parks Foundation and the Florida Park Service, I have devoted decades to supporting efforts that make state park experiences more accessible for visitors with mobility limitations, ensuring they may have positive, memorable experiences in Florida’s natural environment and award-winning state parks.

As an individual who loves our state parks and uses a mobility assistive device, I know firsthand the impact of creating accommodations that allow visitors to explore our natural wonders with their friends and families.

In recent years, there have been many innovations and technological advances that have expanded access to the outdoors for people with disabilities. The Florida State Parks Foundation has prioritized implementing these accessible features and amenities that help provide access for all.

Just within the last few years, we have completed the following projects and initiatives through charitable partnerships:

  • The first ever accessible glass-bottom boat at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala. Since its launch in August 2021, the new boat has provided an opportunity for thousands of people who use wheelchairs to enjoy an iconic Floridian experience for the first time.

  • Beach-accessible wheelchairs available, free of charge, at every state park along Florida’s coastline, and eight all-terrain wheelchairs at some of our most popular state parks. All-terrain wheelchairs can navigate sand, mud and rugged trails, giving users the ability to explore sandy beaches and nature or hiking trails.

  • Wheelchair-accessible electric trams in operation at Henderson Beach (Destin), Topsail Hill Preserve (Santa Rosa Beach), Oscar Scherer (Osprey), Hugh Taylor Birch (Fort Lauderdale) and John D. MacArthur Beach (North Palm Beach) state parks.

  • Ten floating wheelchairs provided to seven coastal state parks, allowing visitors to experience both sand and water.

  • A new, ADA-compliant fishing pier at Oscar Scherer State Park that features areas of lowered rails so that seated visitors have unobstructed views and can cast fishing lines.

  • Beach matting at Deer Lake, Grayton Beach, St. Andrews and Topsail Hill Preserve State Parks in Northwest Florida.

You can support accessibility at Florida State Parks by making a donation at the Florida State Parks Foundation website. (Leave a note designating your gift for the “Access for All” campaign.) It also helps to share information with your community to help expand accessibility practices in our state parks.

Florida State Parks are for all to enjoy. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind on the docks, at the sand line or at the trailhead due physical disability.

Paula Russo is director of services, Florida State Parks Foundation Services, LLC.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: State parks more accessible for those with mobility limitations