Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

DEEP News Release Header

10/22/2024

DEEP Soft Launching All-Terrain Wheelchairs at Five Connecticut State Parks and Forests to Increase Access to the Outdoors

Wheelchairs Available October 22nd - November 30th, Ahead of Full Program Launch in Spring 2025

(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to offer Connecticut State Parks and Forest visitors the ability to reserve all-terrain wheelchairs at five State Park and Forest locations through the remainder of the fall hiking season. DEEP will be using the soft launch to gain valuable feedback from users which will help inform the deployment of these wheelchairs in the spring, for the full duration of the 2025 recreation season. 

With funding from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), approved by the Lamont Administration and the State Legislature, DEEP purchased ten all-terrain wheelchairs to be available for visitors with mobility disabilities.  All-terrain wheelchairs can be used free of charge. Each location has two different all-terrain wheelchair models – one tracked chair and one wheeled chair. The designated locations below were selected by meeting several criteria, including trail conditions, location, scenic variety and staff availability:   

The all-terrain wheelchairs are designed to navigate a wide range of terrains and slopes and can be operated by the wheelchair user independently or by a caretaker via the optional secondary control. Their availability will provide visitors with mobility disabilities the opportunity to traverse trails, open space, and other areas within our parks and forests that were previously inaccessible. Expansion of equitable and sustainable access to Connecticut's State Parks and Forests is an ongoing priority within DEEP. 

"This is an exciting step for Connecticut, and we are thrilled to provide this valuable service to the public,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “These all-terrain wheelchairs will provide people with disabilities or mobility disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities within our State Parks and Forests, which supports our goal of providing equitable access to the outdoors. We are thankful to our State Parks Division staff and partner organizations who have committed countless hours to support us in our commitment to making our parks accessible to all visitors."  

“We are so pleased that DEEP has introduced all-terrain wheelchairs to several of Connecticut’s beautiful State Parks,” Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said. “This is a great commitment to ensure recreational spaces can be enjoyed by all.”

“As a Program Manager of the day program called Allie’s Dream, every opportunity to explore our parks together and the outdoors is an invitation to create magical memories.” Katie Foster, Program Manager of Allie’s Dream, Inc. said.  

Visitors can learn more about the new all-terrain wheelchairs, including their availability and how to make reservations, by visiting the all-terrain wheelchair webpage on ctparks.com.  Visitors with mobility impairments who are interested in using the all-terrain wheelchairs will be required to watch a brief video on the safe operation of the chairs.  After watching the video, visitors will be able to make reservations to use the all-terrain wheelchairs by visiting Reserve America and entering “wheelchair” in the location search field.  There are no fees to reserve or use the all-terrain wheelchairs. Reservations must be made at least 4 days in advance of the visit.  For more information, please contact the State Parks Division at deep.stateparks@ct.gov  or 860-424-3200.  

About Connecticut State Parks 
The Connecticut State Park system was established in 1913 to fulfill the mission of making outdoor recreation and education available to all residents and visitors of the state, for the benefit of their health, prosperity and enjoyment.  At present, the Connecticut State Park system has grown to include 142 state parks and forests that encompass over 250,000 acres across the state. 

Suggested Caption for Attached Photos: DEEP held a Demo Day at Dinosaur State Park on September 23, 2024, for DEEP Staff and interested stakeholders to learn about the wheelchairs and get trained on how to operate them. Among the agency partners and stakeholders in attendance were the CT Office for Disability and Accessibility Services (ODAS), the CT Department of Social Services, Summit Adaptive, and Gaylord Adaptive Sports.

Photo Credit: CT DEEP

 

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110