Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle on May 21 unveiled new all-terrain wheelchairs that will be available at Forest Preserve sites across the county, expanding access for visitors with mobility disabilities.
The announcement came during the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s annual “Nature is Accessible!” event at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs.
“These are transformative tools for visitors who need safe, adaptive equipment to explore the Forest Preserves — whether they’re birding, spotting wildflowers or simply enjoying the company of friends and family,” Preckwinkle said.
Thirteen arm-powered wheelchairs will be available for free at six Forest Preserves nature centers and three campgrounds: Sullivan, Reinberg and Bullfrog Lake. Each chair features mountain bike tires, a third wheel for stability, and lever-powered propulsion and brakes.
Requests to use the chairs will be first-come, first-served, with a valid ID left at the desk. The chairs will also be available during select programs and can be requested through the Forest Preserves’ accommodation process.
“Access should be denied to no one,” Commissioner Bridget Degnen said. “Cook County is invested in all people, and we are proud to make these spaces more inclusive.”
Commissioner Alma Anaya said planning for the program began before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“About 285,000 people in Cook County have mobility challenges. These chairs will help them explore trails and landscapes they’ve never experienced before,” Anaya said.
Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill echoed the importance of inclusive design.
“President Preckwinkle and the county are working hard to create opportunities for all people,” she said.
Forest Preserves Interim General Superintendent Eileen Figel said the goal is to ensure everyone can experience the outdoors.
“If you are someone with a disability who wants to go out on a trail, go camping or fishing — or just enjoy nature — the Forest Preserves want to be a resource for you,” Figel said.
The Forest Preserves’ external Accessibility Advisory Committee, which includes members with disabilities, helped guide the effort. Bill Bogdan, disability liaison for the Illinois Secretary of State and a committee member, praised the new equipment.
“Everyday mobility devices aren’t built for trails or uneven ground,” Bogdan said. “These all-terrain chairs are a game changer. They’ll let me reach places I couldn’t with my personal wheelchair.”
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center Director George Klut thanked attendees and encouraged families to explore the grounds despite the rain. Activities included pond dipping, clay crafts, sensory herb play, adaptive adventures, and sound therapy.
The Forest Preserves’ broader accessibility improvements include adding accessible features to picnic shelters and parking lots, building inclusive canoe and kayak launches, and partnering with special recreation groups to host events.
Funding for the all-terrain wheelchairs was provided in part by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Thank you for your leadership Toni.