Off the Drive, Onto the Trail
Sam Wassink and his brother, Luke, who is Sleeping Bear Dune Park Ranger, as they prepare to hike Alligator Hill.
By Alene Arnold
Recently I was able to see Friends of Sleeping Bear Dune’s track chair program at work by hearing about Sam Wassink’s first hand experience with the track chair as he prepared to hike Alligator Hill by way of using this special equipment.
Sam, who lives in Grand Rapids and creates digital content professionally, used a track chair in a state park last year and immensely enjoyed the experience. When he learned that Sleeping Bear Dunes, where his brother Luke is a park ranger, also has track chairs, he booked a trip. Sam explained that this program allows people with disabilities to fully be tourists to the area, and visitors to the park in deeper, more meaningful ways.
Sam can bond with and learn from track chair hosts and loved ones, who have less access issues, as they traverse the trails together. So it is not only the physical experience of hiking, it is the emotional and spiritual time with loved ones that is provided. Sam went on to explain that the chairs themselves are driven by the rider, giving independence and control in ways that are vital for everyone to experience.
“Driving through Pierce Stocking hit me hard”, Sam commented, as he realized that while beautiful, without track chairs, it would be the only way people who used wheelchairs could access the park and experience the breathtaking views and unique natural areas. The track chairs allow for hikes over soft sand, which would damage other kinds of chairs, but are a vital part of the National Lakeshore experience that people without access challenges take for granted.
Sam joyfully explained that this program allows him the kind of access an ATV provides. Hoping that supporters understand the power of this program, and the ways that it can draw more support to our lakeshore, Sam looks forward to a future with increased access to more trails, more availability and this program becoming the norm in our National Parks.
Witnessing Sleeping Bear Dunes developing the program with the help of Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, is a fantastic and rewarding way to see our work in action. Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes currently has three track chairs, one located at the Platte River Campground allowing folks hike a trail through the woods ending at the beach, and two chairs at Alligator Hill which is a loop hike including a view point at the top.
To become a volunteer with the track chair program by clicking here.
Become a supporter of programs like these by donating today.