July is Disability Pride Month in Minnesota, marking the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities. Although this provides some protections for the 1 in 4 adults who live with a disability, many outdoor recreation spaces are still inaccessible. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and nonprofits that help to protect the Great Outdoors have been slowly working to change this:
- The DNR has all-terrain electric track chairs available at 13 different state parks across Minnesota. These track chairs can be used on specially designated trails that are not accessible by most wheelchairs. These chairs are free to use, but state park parking permits are required (discounts available for disability hang tags).
- Neurodivergent play areas are a feature at some city and county parks around the Nation. Sherburne County was one of our 2023 Blazing Star Award winners for their work at Grams Park. They utilized packed aggregate trails that lead to each play area for children with limited mobility. They also intentionally designed their natural play areas for children with sensory processing challenges by incorporating willow thickets to provide quiet respite.
- Adaptive trails are now starting to pop-up around Greater Minnesota in places like Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. In partnership with Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew, the City of Riverton, and local legislators, among others, the DNR built their first adaptive trails for folks who can’t use traditional mountain bikes. These trails are wider and allow for the use of hand-powered three-wheeled cycles.
These are great steps, but much more work remains to ensure that everyone who calls Minnesota home has equal opportunities to get out and enjoy nature in a way that feels natural, safe, and intuitive. Conservation Minnesota fully supports these efforts and hopes to be an active partner in making our Great Outdoors a welcoming place for all. You can learn more about Disability Pride month and the history of disability rights from the Minnesota Council on Disability.