All-Terrain Chairs Bring New Explorers To Seminole State Forest
All-terrain chairs bring new explorers to Seminole State Forest. An estimated 13.5% of adults in Florida have mobility-affecting disabilities, and out-of-state visitors can also benefit from this new program. Seminole State Forest allows people with disabilities to access rugged, remote trails that were previously exclusive to foot, bike, or horseback. A motorized wheelchair with all-terrain tracks is available on weekends for free reservation to people with mobility impairments and their families.
The program was inspired by a similar one in Staunton State Park, Colorado, and was first proposed by George Koutsakis, president of Friends of Seminole State Forest. Friends of Seminole State Forest successfully petitioned for an EcoRover track-powered wheelchair, the first of its kind in Florida’s 38-state forest system.
Shannon Keim, who wrote a letter supporting the program, was able to bring her daughter Skyler Keim-Jones onto the trails thanks to the program. The wheelchair can travel up to 15 miles on a single charge and has amenities like cupholders, USB charging ports, LED lights, and a power tilt seat. The program has been received with gratitude by those who have felt forgotten. TBT
