Press Releases
05/08/2025
Visitors May Now Reserve All-Terrain Wheelchairs to Enjoy the Outdoors at Seven Connecticut State Parks
DEEP Adds Two Locations to Free Program Dedicated to Making State Parks More Accessible to All Visitors
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is excited to announce the expansion of its All-Terrain Wheelchair Program to seven Connecticut State Park and Forest locations. Five locations were available beginning last fall and starting today, users can make reservations online to use the all-terrain wheelchairs for free beginning June 7 at a total of seven locations.
For more information, users can visit the CT Parks website. The all-terrain wheelchairs provide greater outdoor access to individuals with varying mobility levels and help more visitors to comfortably enjoy Connecticut’s State Parks, trails, and beaches.
“Our State Parks are for everyone,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “These chairs help us remove barriers that traditionally have kept people with mobility challenges from fully experiencing the outdoors. We’re proud to take another step toward ensuring that Connecticut’s parks are welcoming and accessible to all.”
All-terrain wheelchair users will be able to explore a variety of natural resources along specific trails in our Connecticut State Parks and Forests. Trails include views of the Connecticut River from Gillette Castle, the dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur State Park, the beauty of Long Island Sound from Rocky Neck State Park and the historic gardens from the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park. Birders and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy trails at Stratton Brook State Park and Topsmead State Forest. Views of the dramatic waterfalls at Wadsworth Falls will be accessible to users of the wheelchairs.
Most trails are between 0.3 miles to 1.5 miles in length, with limited elevation change and minimal cross slopes. Trailheads are located near accessible parking areas and each site includes directional signage.
With funding from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), approved by the Lamont Administration and the State Legislature, DEEP purchased all-terrain wheelchairs to be available for visitors with mobility disabilities. The wheelchairs at each location include one track and one wheeled chair. They are designed specifically to navigate sandy beaches, wooded trails, and uneven terrain and can be operated by the wheelchair user independently or by a caretaker.
Reservations to use the all-terrain wheelchairs must be made at least four days in advance through Reserve America. First-time users are required to watch a brief training video, prior to making their reservation. Upon arrival for their reservation, users must provide a valid state photo ID and sign a waiver.
For full details visit ctparks.com/all-terrain-wheelchairs. If visitors need assistance navigating the website, please contact the State Parks Division at deep.stateparks@ct.gov or 860-424-3200.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110