All-Terrain Wheelchairs: Year 1

All-Terrain Wheelchairs Bring People Together in Nature

75 times. That’s how many times the all-terrain wheelchairs were used in the first year of the Nature Center offering them as a free amenity.

75 trips into nature that were only possible because the community came together to fund the acquisition of three all-terrain wheelchairs.

75 times, someone was able to explore the woodlands, prairies, and wetlands at Indian Creek Nature Center who couldn’t before.

Plus, there was a wide range of visitors. Chair users included a grandmother, a four-year-old, a mushroom connoisseur, a dad on his first family hike, and a student on a field trip who was fully included in the experience for the first time.

Those who understand the powerful benefits of time in nature understand how transformative it can be to find greater access to the outdoors through these chairs.

Many users were inspired to share their stories with us. Often, it wasn’t just getting an individual with a mobility impairment into nature that meant the most, but the chance to get that person into nature with others which sparked the deepest levels of gratitude.

All-Terrain Wheelchair Testimonials

“I wanted to let you know we so appreciated the child’s all-terrain wheelchair and the beautiful trails it enabled my 4-year-old grandson to ride through. He picked up maneuvering the vehicle easily. It was a complete thrill. I was also testing the all-terrain wheelchair out in hopes of bringing my 98-year-old mom. I will surely enjoy the trails with her after our positive experience. Thank you, Indian Creek!” - Sherry Westercamp

Eric cultivates lion's mane mushrooms in his home and cooks amazing dishes. He's dreamt of returning to his passion of mushroom foraging in the wild since the day he became reliant on his wheelchair 5 years ago. Today was that day! Just as he was about to return his all-terrain wheelchair, he spotted a morel mushroom glistening in the sun. "This is the BEST day I've had in 5 years! I have no words to explain how happy I am!"

“Just wanted to share some of the photos we got from our visit on National Trails Day!” - Sarah Herber

“Thank you again for the opportunity to hike as a family on Monday. I love hiking and have never been able to go with my whole family. It was so amazing to be able to do something we both love, and we now get to access this all the time. I also wanted to share my appreciation of the overall accessibility of the building and environment. It is very clear that this is intentional and I want you all to know that these small gestures go a long way. Thank you!!” - Krista Sigel

“My husband Ron and I used your all-terrain vehicles today for a hike with our son and daughter-in-law. We would not have been able to walk it at all. And, we had so much fun! We are looking forward to doing that again!!! Thank you so much!!!” - Gelene Schwertfeger

“We were thrilled to be able to use the ATW! In the past, students in wheelchairs weren't able to experience all parts of the field trip. It was too hard or dangerous to get their wheelchair to different locations. My student was able to go where his classmates were and didn't have to stay behind. He was unable to use the controls, so it was great that an adult could override it. Thank you for ensuring all students are included at Indian Creek Nature Center!” - Nicole Greazel, 3rd Grade Teacher

Reserve an All-Terrain Wheelchair

When the all-terrain wheelchairs were acquired, funding was raised for the long-term maintenance of the chairs – meaning these chairs will be available for years to come.

Reservations can be made at no cost on a first-come basis. Visitors with any mobility impairments, from permanent ailments to broken legs that’ll heal in a few weeks, are welcome to reserve a chair.

The chairs are available to ensure that the next time your group is going on a hike, you can bring everybody.