There’s good news for wheelchair-users and slow walkers in Michigan — loaner track chairs are now available at many state park and recreation areas. Track chairs allow people with reduced mobility the freedom to explore places that are otherwise inaccessible to them. These off road wheelchairs have tank tracks instead of wheels, and can easily navigate over sand, rough surfaces and even snow. They also come with a big price tag; but thanks to a massive fundraising effort, loaner track chairs are now available at many Michigan outdoor spaces

The following organizations were instrumental in making these Michigan track chairs a reality.

• $2 Difference Program (www.michigan.gov/dnr/places/state-parks/giving#twodollar)
• Kali’s Cure (www.kaliscure.org/)
• Goodale and Family Foundation
• Lori’s Voice (lorisvoice.org/)
• Family Hope Foundation (www.thefamilyhopefoundation.org/)
• Friends of Ludington State Park (friendsofludingtonstatepark.org/)
• Friends of Island Lake State Recreation Area  (https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfIslandLakeSRA/)
• Friends of Grand Haven State Park 
• Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (ghacf.org/)

Where to find Michigan Track Chairs

The loaner track chairs are available at the following Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Each venue has different rules, regulations and hours, so check in advance to avoid disappointment. And keep in mind that some locations also require reservations to borrow the track chairs.

• Bald Mountain Recreation Area
• Bay City State Park
• Brighton Recreation Area
• Grand Haven State Park
• Harrisville State Park
• Hartwick Pines State Park
• Lake Hudson Recreation Area
• Leelanau State Park
• Petosky State Park
• Wilson State Park
• Holland State Park
• Ionia Recreation Area
• Island Lake Recreation Area
• Ludington State Park
• Maybury State Park
• Muskegon Recreation Area
• North Higgins Lake State Park
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park
• Warren Dunes State Park
• Waterloo Recreation Area
• Wilderness State Park

If you didn’t find your favorite Michigan state park or recreation area on the list, don’t worry as this popular program is constantly expanding. New venues for loaner Michigan track chairs are being added as funding becomes available. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/accessibility/track-chairs to check for the latest additions.

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