Burbank Launches Program to Make Hiking More Accessible for Wheelchair Users
Burbank Launches Innovative Trail Accessibility Program
Burbank has introduced a groundbreaking trail accessibility initiative, the first of its kind in the San Fernando Valley, aimed at providing dignified access to a popular hiking spot for individuals of all abilities.
This program utilizes two Action Trackchair AXIS 40 mobility devices, which are specifically designed for navigating outdoor terrains. Users of wheelchairs can make reservations for these Trackchairs at the Stough Canyon Fire Trail, allowing them a unique opportunity to engage with nature in an inclusive manner.
“There are programs like this, maybe one can be found up in Northern California, but in terms of the level of accessibility and the level of support that we were given from the community to launch this program, this is the only one of its kind in this area,” said Sam Cohen-Suelter, Senior Recreation Leader for the city of Burbank.
Joci Scott, one of the first to take advantage of the new initiative, expressed her excitement about the launch. “I showed up thinking it was going to be like a paved or like a boardwalk type trail and we all were just going to stroll along. But I showed up and I saw the chair and I was like, ‘Oh, this is going to be intense. This is going to be like some serious hiking,’” she remarked.
Scott described her experience with the Trackchair as "incredible," emphasizing the importance of such devices for reconnecting individuals with hiking. “Having this chair will help people of all ability levels enjoy the more rigorous experiences that non-disabled people get to experience whenever they want,” she noted.
This program reflects the broader goals of Burbank’s Parks and Recreation Department, which is committed to making recreational activities accessible to everyone. The city also hosts an annual adaptive sports expo and offers drop-in sports designed for individuals of various abilities. Scott advocates for more initiatives like this nationwide, stating, “It’s so important for more experiences like this to be around the country so people with disabilities get to experience the world the same way that non-disabled people do.”
The Burbank trail accessibility program represents a significant step towards inclusivity in outdoor recreation, enabling a wide range of individuals to immerse themselves in nature.
