Explore parks in a new way this winter with an All-Terrain Wheelchair
When Candice McLellan visits a Calgary park with her family in the winter, she has a lot more to consider than remembering to bring mitts, hats and hot chocolate.
“Having a child who is a wheelchair user makes it very difficult to get out and enjoy many parks due to how wheelchairs are built,” said McLellan. “The front caster wheels are small and easily get stuck when not on well paved surfaces. When it comes to winter, these issues are exacerbated due to snow and slush and all the uneven surfaces.”
The City of Calgary’s Winter All-Terrain Wheelchair (ATW) pilot project aims to make it easier for families like Candice’s to enjoy our beautiful winter park spaces. Between now and early March, Calgarians can reserve an ATW to explore two parks — North Glenmore Park and Prairie Winds Park. There is no cost to book an ATW, you just need to login or create an Live and Play account.
An ATW is a rugged chair designed to allow users to visit places and landscapes that would otherwise be inaccessible. These wheelchairs have extra-wide tires to increase stability on uneven or unsteady terrain and skis to help navigate snow.
“We are very focused on making it easier for everyone to enjoy our parks and we recognize that for some people winter presents unique challenges,” said Mark Murias, Superintendent, Parks & Open Spaces. “Now Calgarians can borrow an ATW to explore these two parks freely, including using the wheeled version on our skating rinks and ice trails.”
Executive Director of Cerebral Palsy Kids and Families Sheralee Stelter said winter creates uneven terrain and slippery conditions for their clients that can turn a simple outing into something unsafe or even impossible. This pilot is an example of inclusive programming that supports a healthy, active lifestyle year-round for individuals needing a mobility device.
“Winterized All-Terrain Wheelchairs (ATW) are life-changing, but they’re simply too expensive for many families who are already carrying the cost of caring for someone with a disability,” said Sheralee. “By offering them for free, the City is removing a major barrier and creating more equitable access to outdoor play and recreation for people with disabilities.
“Access to outdoor spaces brings immense joy and improves both physical and mental well-being for our clients. Through our accessible equipment programs, we see increased confidence, social connection, and happiness when individuals and families can fully participate in outdoor experiences.”
Once the pilot wraps up in March, Parks & Open Spaces will review the results and determine if they will extend the pilot.
“We are super thankful for projects like this so that we can get out as a family in all seasons,” said Candice. “Having tried the ATW with skis in deep and hard packed snow, I was surprised with how easy it was to push. With Kanen being a teenager now, who is taller than me, I was able to run and push him with ease! I’m really excited for the chance to get out and try these chairs throughout our city.”
Users can choose from an ATW with wheels to travel pathways, snowy areas and skating rinks or an ATW with skis to traverse the snow. ATWs can be used by anyone who would benefit from using a mobility device, however, there are weight restrictions and height guidelines. To find out more about the program, how to book an ATW and additional guidelines for use, visit calgary.ca/atw
This is another example about how The City helps more Calgarians stay active, connected and included through the winter months. For more ideas about how to enjoy our Winter City, visit calgary.ca/lovewinter.
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