Mobility is something that many take for granted. Walking a trail or navigating a park seems like a simple task, but that isn’t the case for everyone. Mobility issues affect 12.2% of the U.S. population, meaning roughly one in every 10 people has serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs. In Arkansas, that percentage is even higher at 18%.

The natural beauty and abundance of wildlife in Arkansas makes the state widely known for hiking, hunting, fishing, and the like. But for those facing mobility challenges, the terrain associated with outdoor activities often presents a barrier. However, there is a tool that can roll right over those barriers — an all-terrain wheelchair.

This is almost exactly as it sounds. It’s a wheelchair that can traverse terrain that has previously created barriers for those wanting to take part in The Natural State’s most popular pastimes. Just ask Craton Tull CADD Coordinator Brad Unruh. He knows all about this chair, which is typically referred to by the brand name, Action Trackchair.

“I’ve had mobility limitations all my life that have limited my outdoor activities,” Unruh said. “The Trackchair has made those activities possible.”

Unruh knew immediately that the Trackchair had the ability to change his life by making the outdoors accessible to someone with mobility issues. Unruh purchased his Trackchair 12 years ago and has been exploring the outdoors ever since. This device has allowed him to experience the outdoors in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. He even drove the chair through portions of giant red rock formations at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

“When I first saw one, I knew I had to find a way to get one,” he said. “They are expensive but worth it! Mine has been a life changer allowing me to get outdoors and do things such as turkey hunting and bass fishing that would not otherwise be possible.”

Arkansas State parks invested in all-terrain wheelchairs to expand park accessibility (courtesy of arkansas state Parks)

Arkansas State Parks has also recognized the value in a device that brings outdoor opportunities to those who face mobility challenges and now offers access to all-terrain wheelchairs on a reservation basis at both Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Central Arkansas and Logoly State Park in Southern Arkansas. A third chair will soon be available at Hobb State Park in Northwest Arkansas.

Crafton Tull Senior Vice President of Planning and Business Development Dave Roberts has served on the newly formed Arkansas State Parks Accessibility Committee for about a year and a half. The group provides updates on inclusive projects and initiatives in the state as well as providing input on Arkansas State Parks’ accessibility improvements.  

Roberts’ experience with inclusivity and accessibility is personal. His daughter Alex, who was born with cerebral palsy, navigates the world in a power wheelchair.

“My hope is that Alex might be able to roll next to me on a soft surface trail in the woods  —  something we’ve never done together,” Roberts said. “One of the cool features of the track chairs that State Parks ordered is a tethered joystick so I can drive the chair with Alex while hiking beside her.”

Roberts emphasized that many mobility-challenged individuals who have never experienced the more “rugged parts” of these parks can have a whole new experience because of this improved access.

“Don’t just think about someone like my daughter with cerebral palsy that needs a wheelchair to move,” Roberts said. “We should also think about Grandpa, who can’t get around without a walker. This means so many more folks can now enjoy a hike in the woods with loved ones.”

Dave Roberts poses with Arkansas State Parks' new chair

The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission is also on their way to using Trackchairs to broaden access to the outdoors. The agency’s Education Division shared that AGFC is close to finalizing the details of its Trackchair program, which is partially funded by a partnership with the Simmons First Foundation.

AGFC plans to station one Trackchair at the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie in Southwest Arkansas. Another at J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale will soon follow.  

“The AGFC has a history of working with people of all ability levels to help them get outdoors and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer,” said Raven Harris, assistant chief of education for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “The Trackchair program is the next step in helping people overcome a barrier to the outdoors and enjoy what Arkansas has to offer.” 

Reservations for the Trackchair at Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Logoly State Park can both be made through the Accessibility Arkansas website. AGFC will likely work with the same organization to provide consistency for users in the checkout process.

“I’m glad to see Arkansas State Parks and Game & Fish making Trackchairs available,” Unruh said. “This is a game changer for so many residents and visitors who will now have a new opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Arkansas.”

Brad Unruh is able to enjoy fishing and outdoor activities with family and friends with his action trackchair

STORY BY WENDY JORDAN - MARKETING MANAGER