FOR ALL TO ENJOY
Everyone who visits a Florida state park should have the most beneficial and
enjoyable experience possible, regardless of their physical disability.
ACCESS FOR ALL
‘NO ONE LEFT BEHIND’
Many innovative advances have been made that allow people with disabilities unprecedented access to the outdoors. All-terrain power wheelchairs able to handle deep sand or rugged trails. Accessible kayak launches. Roll out matting that transforms sandy beach into a flat stable easily traversed path.
First Accessible Glass-Bottom Boat at Silver Springs
The Foundation commissioned the design of a 37-foot accessible boat, which includes a flat deck and spacious aisles for easy and convenient access for mobility assistive devices. The boat is also equipped with an induction-loop system that helps passengers using hearing aids to listen to the captain’s narration. In keeping with the tradition of naming the glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs after Seminole tribal chiefs, the new boat was named Chief Potackee – Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, after the only woman to serve as chief of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Foundation at Silver Springs Accessible Glass Bottom Boat Ribbon Cutting
Silver Springs State Park hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new accessible glass-bottom boat.
A total of 52 beach wheelchairs are available at every coastal Florida state park.
Beach Wheelchairs
Florida State Parks features 100 miles of pristine, white-sand beaches, many of which are among the finest In the nation and the world. Through a variety of partnerships, the Foundation has worked to provide 52 beach wheelchairs at every state state park along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts, as well as floating wheelchairs at some of the state’s most popular coastal parks.
Accessible Trams
Florida’s state parks may cover hundreds – and sometimes thousands – of acres, making effective, reliable transportation between points of interest a top priority.
In addition to accessibility, the Foundation has also emphasized sustainability by prioritizing electric motors in every new tram to reduce each park’s environmental impact.
Accessible trams are in service at several Florida State Parks.
motorized beach wheelchair sunset rish
All-Terrain Wheelchairs
Whether on trails, prairies, beaches or dozens of other locales, Florida’s state parks are home to an abundance of adventurous terrain.
All-terrain wheelchairs, provided through the Foundation and community partners, help all visitors enjoy whatever their favorite state park throws their way.
Accessible Fishing Pier
Oscar Scherer State Park near Sarasota recently celebrated the opening of its new, accessible fishing pier and boardwalk.
The pier is compliant with ADA guidelines, and features areas with lowered rails that allow unobstructed views and space to cast fishing lines for seated visitors.
The accessible pier and boardwalk at Oscar Scherer State Park allows for fishing and unobstructed views.
Help us expand accessibility in
Florida State Parks
Florida State Parks
The Florida State Parks Foundation is raising funds to improve access for everyone, and we need your help. Click below to make a donation.
