New technology expands access at Raven Run Park
Lexington debuts accessible trackchair for people with mobility challenges
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – New technology at Lexington’s Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is helping make the great outdoors more accessible.
A new all-terrain Action Trackchair is now available for visitors with mobility issues, allowing them to travel up to five additional miles of unpaved trails in the sanctuary.
Organizers say the Trackchair marks a major milestone for the state.
“As far as we know this is the first action track chair purchased by a municipal government to make public park trails accessible in the state of Kentucky,” said Adrienne Thakur, Deputy Director of Recreation. “And so we’re really proud and excited to be blazing the trail in this area,” said Thakur.
The initiative was made possible through funding from the Urban County Council and Lexington Parks and Recreation. Mayor Linda Gorton said the city is always working to improve accessibility but acknowledged the difficulty of making rugged nature trails inclusive.
“While we’re constantly making strides to make facilities and green spaces more accessible, there has always been a challenge with unpaved nature trails,” Gorton said.
Some leaders at the unveiling event shared personal stories of how the Trackchair is already making a difference.
“I have a friend and previous teacher,” said 9th District Councilmember Whitney Elliot Baxter. “She had a stroke not too long ago. This woman was active and young and her life changed in an instant,” she said. “And she told me this, ‘I miss hiking and fresh air in the woods, thank you for working hard to get me this chair,'” said Baxter.
The city currently has one chair available. Those interested in reserving it can do so on the City of Lexington’s website. Guests will be accompanied by a guide during their trail experience.
