Delaware is making its natural spaces more inclusive with the addition of all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks. 

The Action Trackchair® program, introduced by DNREC gives visitors with needs for aides in mobility a new way to experience trails and outdoor areas that were previously, more than likely, inaccessible. 

Among the five parks in Delaware State that are included in this initiative, two in our area of Coastal Delaware are among the efforts of this initiative: Cape Henlopen State Park and Trap Pond State Park, bringing expanded access to the heart of the region’s most beloved landscapes.

How to Reserve a Trackchair

Reservations can be made for each of the following five parks: Cape Henlopen, Trap Pond, Lums Pond State Park, Killens Pond State Park, and White Clay Creek State Park.

The Trackchairs at Cape Henlopen and Trap Pond can be reserved by filling out and presenting the online form or by contacting the park directly at no cost: 

• Click here to view the Reservation Request Form.
• Click here to view the Trackchair Usage Wavier
• Cape Henlopen Office Number: (302) 644-5005
• Trap Pond Office Number: (302) 875-5153

Reservations are available in three-hour increments, making it easy to plan a morning hike, an afternoon by the water, or even participation in park events.

A short training video is required before use to ensure visitors are comfortable with the equipment & to keep the equipment functional for all people for years to come. 

Companion controls are also available, providing flexibility for families and caregivers.

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Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park is one of Coastal Delaware’s most popular destinations, offering wide beaches, rolling dunes, and miles of trails that weave through forests and wetlands.

With the introduction of the Trackchair program, visitors with disabilities can now explore designated paved and packed dirt paths more freely.

• Trackchairs are equipped with motorized treads, allowing them to move across uneven terrain.
• Additional features like headlights, a horn, and an adjustable seat make navigating hills and trails easier and safer.
• Visitors can use the chairs for up to three hours at a time, free of charge, after completing a short instructional video.

By integrating these features, Cape Henlopen ensures that more people can enjoy its scenic trails, whether for hiking, birdwatching, or attending outdoor events.

Check out the trail map here.

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Trap Pond State Park

Trap Pond State Park, famous for its baldcypress trees and freshwater wetlands, has also joined the Trackchair program. 

The park already offered ADA-compliant features, such as accessible kayak launches, but the addition of all-terrain wheelchairs further enhances its inclusivity.

The Trackchair program at Trap Pond allows:

• Access to packed dirt trails that wind through wooded areas and waterfronts.
• Greater opportunities for individuals to explore natural habitats and picnic areas.
• Use of companion controls, enabling caregivers or family members to operate the chair if needed.

This program not only supports accessibility but also ensures that families and groups can enjoy the park together without mobility challenges creating barriers.

Check out the trail map here.

Beach Wheelchairs at Coastal Parks

Delaware State Parks also offer complimentary beach wheelchairs at key coastal locations, including:

• Cape Henlopen State Park (Main Beach)
• Delaware Seashore State Park (Tower Ocean and South Inlet)
• Fenwick Island State Park 

Chairs are available to borrow daily from 8 a.m. to sunset between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

These all-terrain wheelchairs feature oversized balloon-style tires designed to move easily across sand and shallow water, helping visitors reach their beach spot with greater comfort and independence. They can be picked up at designated beach access points within each park. 

Guests are asked to return the chair after transporting someone to their spot on the sand so that others may also use it. When it’s time to leave, the chair can be retrieved again for the return trip.

There are no set time limits, but responsible sharing ensures that everyone has the chance to enjoy this resource.

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Part of a Larger Accessibility Effort

The Action Trackchair® program is only one piece of Delaware State Parks’ wider accessibility plan. 

Coastal parks are being updated with features such as:

• Mobility mats at beach crossings for easier access to and through the sands.
• Accessible campsites and picnic areas with paved pathways.
• Interpretive signage that includes braille and tactile components.

These additions align with a statewide effort to expand or improve more than 70 accessible amenities across Delaware’s park system.

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Creating Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

The introduction of Trackchairs to Coastal Delaware’s parks is more than just an equipment upgrade, it represents a commitment to inclusion and community. 

Want to stay updated on the latest developments, events, and accessibility features in coastal Delaware? Follow our blog for more stories and insights about how our community is evolving and becoming more inclusive!

Source: Delaware.gov