Guest blog: With the guidance of the Mary Free Bed Recreational Therapy team, Kelsey Heller, recreational therapy intern, has created an Accessible Nature Resource Guide for our patients, their families, and other health care professionals.
This guide contains a variety of accessible outdoor leisure and recreation information. It features wheelchair-accessible outdoor spaces and activities as well as rental locations for accessible equipment.
If you live locally in Grand Rapids or are just visiting in town, there’s information on adaptive clinics and programs that are offered through Mary Free Bed and Kentwood Parks and Recreation. There are always events happening depending on the season. Check out their websites regularly to stay up to date on upcoming events!
The guide also displays a variety of outdoor assistive technology, such as assistive hunting, fishing, and gardening equipment.
It’s a guide for everyone and anyone – with the hope that it helps others pursue a activity or get back into a previous hobby. Whether we’re planning a trip to a local park or a family vacation up north, leisure and recreation should be accessible to all.
Year-round, there’s something for everyone who wants to get out and enjoy the Great Lakes State. With that, let your adventure begin here!
Throughout the state of Michigan there are different locations of outdoor wheelchair accessible spaces to be enjoyed.
Michigan is home to more than 30 accessible nature trails.
West Michigan Trails
There are 26 accessible parks and playgrounds across the state.
West Michigan Parks & Playgrounds
Michigan is well known for their fishing and hunting opportunities. Below is information regarding accessible hunting and fishing. For individuals that enjoy these pursuits, there are wheelchair accessible hunting blinds and fishing pier locations throughout the state. In addition, there are resources to a variety of assistive hunting and fishing technology.
Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State. It’s no wonder it’s home to more than 30 wheelchair accessible fishing piers, including:
Some state game areas offer accessible hunting features, and track chairs are available in several locations for use at no cost.
Learn more about accessible hunting opportunities in Michigan. >
Offering a unique opportunity for accessible hunting, Hunt 2 Heal is a non-profit organization. It’s on a mission to improve mental health by providing accessible, safe and comfortable outdoor experiences to people with physical disabilities.
Hunt 2 Heal has created an outdoor haven with a dedicated barrier free lodge and square mile property designed for people with physical disabilities.
Whether there’s winter snow or summer sun, Michigan has different accessible outdoor activities and opportunities to get involved in. These activities can be enjoyed by individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities.
For those who want to get their thrills on the slopes, check out the links below for information on bi-Skiing (sit-skiing), ski biking, and snowboarding.
Gardening is for green thumbs and beginners alike! If you’re interested in building your gardening toolkit – this adaptive equipment can help you and your garden flourish.
The maps below provide locations across the state for rentable accessible equipment. If you’re interested in renting equipment, be sure to contact the desired location at least 24 hours in advance.
These off-road, electronic chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand and up to 4 inches of water, allowing users to explore areas of the parks that traditional wheelchairs might not reach.
*Map image credit.
The Mary Free Bed Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports program offers plenty of opportunities for people to enjoy a relaxed, leisurely or competitive experience! From skiing to swimming, and everything in between, you’ll find programming to fit all ages, interests and abilities. It’s one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States.
This extensive programming serves participants who are cognitively and/or physically impaired. A wide variety of classes and clinics for adults and kids include:
View current Wheelchair and Adaptive Sports programming.
If you’re in the surrounding Grand Rapids area, Kentwood Parks & Recreation offers different adapted and inclusive programming for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities, including:
Looking to get the most out of your outdoor activities? Check out these great resources – they’ll help you make the outdoors more enjoyable, adventurous and fun!
National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass
Michigan is home to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. However, if you’re interested in visiting other National Park in the United States there is an Access Pass available for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities.
This free, lifetime pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability (does not require 100% disability). It provides admittance to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five federal agencies.
FreeWheel® Wheelchair Attachment
The FreeWheel® attaches to the foot rest of your wheelchair and transforms it into a three-wheel all-terrain vehicle. It is made to push through grass, gravel, uneven surfaces and even snow. It allows the user to experience comfort and ease when traveling. The FreeWheel® is also compact and can be stored on the back of your chair in seconds.
About the author: Kelsey Heller is a student from Eastern Michigan University studying for a Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation. She’s maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing her bachelor’s degree. She received her associate degree in applied sciences from Schoolcraft College. Currently, Kelsey is completing her internship study with the Mary Free Bed Recreational Therapy team in the Grand Rapids hospital. (Image credit: Stephanie Heller)
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