For those of you who have family or friends who cannot get out and hike the trails, this machine will be a game changer. It has been several years since Glenda has been able to hie the trails so it was an exciting day for her." - Stan Whittern
Increasing Access to Ottawa National Wildlife RefugeFriends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge values the right of every visitor to experience our refuge's natural beauty. To provide an opportunity to visitors who need assistance hiking trails in the refuge, Friends of Ottawa NWR offers the use of a Track Chair.
The Track Chair was purchased by the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge with the assistance of a Toledo Rotary Club Foundation grant and member support. If you would like to support our work, please consider becoming a member or making a donation today. |
ABOUT:
Explore Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge like never before! Now you can experience the refuge with the freedom of an all-terrain power wheelchair. This personal mobility device is an all-terrain wheelchair that easily rolls over rocks, roots, sand, mud and snow allowing users to fully experience the refuge. The Track Chair has a seat width of 22 inches and a weight limit of 250 lbs. Features include: comfort seating, seat base, and armrest, 4 point harness, 9" seatbelt extension, armrest pockets, attendant control, flip up footrest to help with transfers, head rest, uni-mount, and transfer handle and LED headlights. SAFETY: As with all trail users, we suggest that Track Chair Users and those accompanying them bring: water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, necessary medication and medical equipment, cell phone, hat, seat cushion, weather appropriate clothing – including an extra layer for changing weather. The Track Chair can be used on any open Main Complex Hiking Trails for a maximum of 3 hours at a time. The Track Chair is housed at the Refuge Visitor Center. The Track Chair is free to use. Please fill out our form to reserve your spot at least 3 days in advance. Photo: Glenda Whittern enjoys the North Woods trails by Stan Whittern |
Your Impact at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - A #GivingTuesday Story
Above: Donna, Pat, and Doc Marten heading out to the trails from the Visitor Center.
Below: Donna tests out the Track Chair on the trails. Below: A deer that was interested in the Track Chair while Donna explored the refuge.
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One of my favorite things is walking the paths at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge with my sister Pat. It is a time and place for bonding and for letting the beauty of the place heal whatever is needed in body, mind, and spirit.
A few years ago health limitations meant I was no longer able to walk more than a few yards at a time. The loss of ability was especially difficult in limiting the enjoyment of ONWR. We frequent the auto drive, but at times the drive is not open and there is nothing like experiencing the hiking trails. In discussions with Friends Executive Director Aimee, we explored options for better handicapped accessibility at ONWR. Friends were already exploring various possibilities. Within a few months there was a fund-raising drive to purchase a shuttle. Within a year, that was a reality. The shuttle is a great addition for all, not only for the handicapped. There are still significant limits to handicapped accessibility of the hiking trails, the pleasures of wandering at will, sitting on benches, feeling the crunch of leaves underfoot, getting up close with the richness of ONWR’s flora and fauna. A few weeks ago Pat and her pup Doc Marten and I returned to the trails, thanks to the all-terrain Track Chair recently added to the ways to access the trails of ONWR. After a few simple lessons we headed out on the trails behind the Visitor Center. In about five minutes I had mastered the joystick and developed confidence in the vehicle’s all-terrain-ness. Then we wanted to turn around to explore the other branch of the trail and discovered the responsiveness of the Track Chair’s zero-radius turn ability. That was so cool! After resting on one of the benches so Doc the pup could thoroughly explore a leaf pile, we headed down one of the wider, rougher trails. Soon I learned to avoid some of the bigger tree roots, not because the tractor couldn’t handle it, but because it made for a bumpier ride. Further down the wider, wilder trail there was movement. We stopped and had a stare down with a big, beautiful doe. She didn’t know what to make of this strange vehicle and procession. Even when we tentatively started down the path toward her she continued to stare. The tractor is relatively quiet. The doe posed for a photo then eventually decided to run off. We spent about an hour and a half on the trails and enjoyed every minute. Thank you to the Friends for making it possible to recapture the joy of exploring the trails of ONWR. Donna Lueke |