Magnolia, AR. – Arkansas State Parks has taken a significant step towards inclusivity by introducing the Action Trackchair at Logoly State Park. This innovative all-terrain wheelchair, in partnership with Accessibility Across Arkansas, Inc., will allow individuals with mobility challenges to explore the park’s natural beauty and trails.
Logoly State Park, a serene retreat nestled in the Gulf Coastal Plain of southern Arkansas, is Arkansas’s first environmental education state park, Logoly’s natural resources provide a living laboratory for students and visitors alike. The park’s 370 acres encompass a State Natural Area, home to unique plant species and mineral springs. Surrounded by an old-growth forest, Logoly is an easy day trip from Texarkana, El Dorado, Camden, Magnolia, and Hope.
The park’s state-of-the-art visitor center features hands-on interactive exhibits, and park interpreters lead programs and field trips year-round. Additional amenities include a bathhouse with hot showers, a pavilion, picnic sites, a playground, and multiple trails. With the recent addition of the Action Trackchair, Logoly State Park is now more accessible than ever before, welcoming visitors of all abilities to explore its natural beauty.
To ensure safe and responsible use of the Action Trackchair, Arkansas State Parks has established a User Agreement & Waiver and Release of Liability Form. Key guidelines include:
- Single Occupancy: The chair is designed for use by one person at a time.
- Safety Measures: Users must wear a seat belt and power off controls before entering or exiting the chair.
- Designated Areas: The chair may only be used on designated trails and areas within Logoly State Park.
- Liability Release: Users and companions waive all rights and claims against Arkansas State Parks, Accessibility Across Arkansas, and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for any incidents or injuries arising from the use of the chair.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to making Arkansas State Parks accessible to everyone,” said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “By introducing the Action Trackchair and establishing clear guidelines, we’re opening our beautiful trails to more people, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity, and ensuring everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can create lasting memories in our parks.”
To use the Action Trackchair, participants must complete an online training session and review the “Action Trackchair Owner’s Manual.” The User Agreement emphasizes personal responsibility and safe handling of the equipment.
A recent launch event showcased the Action Trackchair’s capabilities, demonstrating how it can open new possibilities for park exploration. Attendees expressed enthusiasm about accessing previously unreachable areas of Logoly State Park.
Arkansas State Parks invites visitors of all abilities to explore Logoly State Park with this innovative addition. For more information on the Action Trackchair, including guidelines and training sessions, please visit HERE.
(All photos and videos courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.)
