2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands Grant

Monte Sano State Park's rugged terrain stretches far beyond its paved trails, leaving much of the park out of reach for visitors with mobility challenges. Alabama State Parks Foundation is adding a TerrainHopper electric off-road mobility vehicle, giving people with physical disabilities the ability to explore natural areas beyond standard accessible infrastructure. 

Uneven terrain puts parks out of reach for many people with mobility challenges. Alamance County Parks is adding four GRIT Freedom chairs, all-terrain adaptive mobility devices that will allow visitors of varying physical abilities to use its trails and outdoor spaces.

Water recreation remains inaccessible for many people with physical disabilities. Catalyst Sports is bringing adaptive kayaking to the Chattahoochee River at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, using an accessible dock ramp, adaptive kayaks, and ACA-certified instructors to open paddling to a wide range of abilities.

Varied terrain at Black Woods Ponds Nature Area limits who can experience its wildlife and natural spaces. Ann Arbor and the Leslie Science and Nature Center are providing a free all-terrain electric track chair for visitors of all mobility levels, available to community groups focused on mobility when not in use at the nature area. 

A gap in accessible infrastructure has kept some visitors, including patients and families from an adjoining hospital, from fully using Conger Park. A new connective pathway linking the parking area to the park's universal design trail will feature wide, slip-resistant surfacing accessible to people of all abilities. 

For people who cannot visit Red Rock Canyon due to mobility or transportation barriers, its geological and historical attractions have been out of reach. The Desert Research Institute is creating a free 360-degree virtual tour of the Red Spring Boardwalk, with audio narration, multimedia captioning, and high-contrast visuals for people with visual impairments.  

Visitors with disabilities at Autrey Mill Nature Preserve face barriers that are not always visible or well understood. Georgia State University and the Center for Leadership and Disability will conduct a comprehensive accessibility assessment, leading to clearer signage, plain-language educational tools, and staff training to better serve parkgoers with disabilities.

Riders with mobility challenges have limited options for gearing up and accessing trails at Lytles Fork Recreation Area. The Kentucky Mountain Bike Association will assess the Skullbuster Trails for accessibility, update a primary trail with accessibility features, and construct a private changing room for riders with mobility challenges.  

Accessing coastal wetlands and beaches is difficult for many people, starting with the planning process itself. Orange County Coastkeeper is updating its website with universal design features, creating an Indigenous-informed audio tour of Bolsa Chica Wetlands, and placing a beach wheelchair at Bolsa Chica and Huntington State beaches.

The dinosaur tracks viewing area at Government Canyon State Natural Area sits 2.4 miles into rough backcountry terrain, putting it out of reach for many visitors. A TerrainHopper electric off-road mobility vehicle will be available free with park admission, opening that backcountry experience to people who cannot make the hike.  

New splash pad and concessions facilities at Freedom Park risked being disconnected from accessible parking. This grant funds a wide, evenly surfaced walkway linking the parking lot to the new universal design features, built for multilane use by people of all mobility levels, including families with strollers.  

Visitors with physical and cognitive disabilities often arrive at parks without knowing whether the space can meet their needs. Trinity Park Conservancy will conduct a comprehensive accessibility assessment of Harold Simmons Park covering trails, neurodiverse support, multigenerational play, and gathering spaces, with findings used to build digital planning tools so visitors know what to expect before they arrive.