Calgary Enhances Winter Park Accessibility with All-Terrain Wheelchair Pilot Program
Calgarians facing mobility challenges now have an innovative opportunity to explore two of the city's parks during the winter months, thanks to a groundbreaking pilot project launched by municipal authorities. The initiative provides free access to specialized all-terrain wheelchairs designed specifically for navigating rugged, snow-covered landscapes that would typically be inaccessible to conventional mobility devices.
Program Details and Booking Information
The City of Calgary announced on Thursday that residents can reserve these winterized wheelchairs at both North Glenmore Park in the southwest and Prairie Winds Park in the northeast. The equipment is available completely free of charge and can be booked through the city's official website or via a Live and Play account, with reservations required at least 24 hours in advance.
These specialized chairs are accessible during park hours from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with each booking allowing for up to three hours of use. The pilot program officially commenced on January 12th and is scheduled to continue through mid-March, though officials note that weather conditions may affect the exact duration of availability.
Specialized Design for Winter Conditions
The all-terrain wheelchairs feature innovative adaptations specifically engineered for Calgary's winter environment. According to city representatives, these chairs are equipped with either extra-wide tires that provide enhanced stability on uneven terrain or specialized skis that facilitate smooth movement across snow and ice surfaces.
Mark Murias, a superintendent with Calgary's parks department, emphasized the program's significance, stating, "It's an opportunity for more people to enjoy our park spaces, particularly in the winter. I know that sometimes it can be challenging with traditional equipment. This is an opportunity for people to get out, enjoy our parks and spend some more time outside." He added that the initiative represents "a great way to break down some barriers" that have traditionally limited winter park access for individuals with mobility restrictions.
Community Impact and Partnership
The city has partnered with Cerebral Palsy Kids and Families, a Calgary-based charitable organization, to promote the pilot program and ensure it reaches those who can benefit most from the service. Sheralee Stelter, the charity's executive director, highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative for families dealing with mobility challenges.
"Winterized All-Terrain Wheelchairs are life-changing, but they're simply too expensive for many families who are already carrying the cost of caring for someone with a disability," Stelter explained in an official city news release. "By offering them for free, the city is removing a major barrier and creating more equitable access to outdoor play and recreation for people with disabilities."
Stelter further noted that winter conditions often create particularly difficult circumstances for the charity's clients, potentially turning simple outdoor excursions into hazardous undertakings. She praised the pilot program as evidence that inclusive programming can support active lifestyles throughout all seasons for individuals who depend on mobility assistance devices.
Real-World Testing and User Experience
The program has already received positive feedback from early users, including Calgary teenager Kanen McLellan, who recently tested the all-terrain wheelchair for the first time at North Glenmore Park. Kanen, who regularly uses a wheelchair, was able to navigate winter park conditions that would have been challenging or impossible with his traditional equipment.
His mother, Candice McLellan, shared that during winter months, public parks typically present significant navigation difficulties for Kanen when using his standard wheelchair. The all-terrain option has opened new possibilities for winter outdoor recreation that were previously unavailable to their family.
This innovative pilot program represents Calgary's commitment to creating more inclusive public spaces and ensuring that all residents can enjoy the city's natural amenities regardless of physical ability or seasonal conditions. As the program continues through the winter months, city officials will be monitoring usage and feedback to determine potential future expansion of this accessibility initiative.
