Missouri State Parks Are Now More Accessible To All Than Ever
By Beth Price-Williams|Published September 08, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
A trip to one of the many state parks across Missouri promises plenty of fun all year round. However, not everyone always has the same opportunities to explore. Visitors with mobility issues, including those in wheelchairs, often aren’t able to navigate rugged hiking trails or spend time in the cool, clear waters of the park’s lakes. However, that is beginning to change with the addition of all-terrain track chairs and adaptive beach chairs at several Missouri State Parks.
Track chairs recently debuted at three state parks, including Bryant Creek State Park in Ava, Elephant Rocks State Park in Belleville, and Lexington State Historic Site in Lexington.
Each state park received a track chair while officials at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon have requested a grant to purchase one of the “electric all-terrain wheelchairs.”
Unlike a traditional wheelchair, track chairs are much sturdier, sporting wheels that are reminiscent of those on a tank. Track chairs make it possible to navigate all types of terrain – from sand and snow to mud and water.
If you want to use a track chair, you must make a reservation two days in advance. While there is no cost to use the all-terrain chair, you will need someone 18 or older to accompany you.
Park staff may not be on hand to help with moving from one chair to the other.
St. Joe State Park in Park Hills, Echo Bluff State Park in Eminence, and Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson have beach chairs, which make it possible for those in wheelchairs to get into the water for summertime fun.
Have you tried the track chairs or adaptive beach chairs at one of these state parks in Missouri? Let us know! Next time you feel like going on a relaxing hike, head out on the Elephant Rocks Braille Trail, a wheelchair-accessible hiking trail in Belleview, Missouri.
With all of that exploring, be sure you wear a pair of sturdy, comfortable shoes.
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