Florida's at the forefront of making state parks accessible to the disabled | Guest column
Did you know that Florida has the best state parks in the nation?
No, that’s not just some bold claim based out of a biased love for the Sunshine State. It’s really true. Florida has won four National Gold Medals for Excellence as determined by the National Recreation and Park Association. No other state has won more than two.
If you have been to any of our 175 state parks, trails or historic sites, then you already know why Florida sets the national standard. Our beaches are world-class, our springs are pristine, cool and refreshing, and there are wonderful experiences for an unlimited variety of interests.
But it is not just our amazing natural resources or our friendly, dedicated park rangers that make our state parks the best.
In recent years, Florida has also been at the forefront of creating accessible, inclusive outdoor experiences so that everyone may enjoy our state parks.
Summer is of course a popular time to visit state parks, so perhaps it is appropriate that summertime coincides with Disability Pride Month each July. July 26 is the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
So to celebrate Disability Pride Month, the Florida State Parks Foundation encourages people of all abilities to explore their favorite state parks and try some of the accessible amenities that are now available.
Highlights include:
- Fully accessible river tour boats at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala and Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park near Tallahassee.
- Beach-accessible wheelchairs, available free of charge, at every state park along Florida’s coastline, as well as all-terrain wheelchairs and floating wheelchairs at some of our most popular state parks.
- Beach matting at Deer Lake, Grayton Beach, St. Andrews and Topsail Hill Preserve state parks in the Florida Panhandle, and Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin.
- Wheelchair-accessible electric trams at a selection of parks across the state.
- An accessible fishing pier at Oscar Scherer State Park near Sarasota and accessible viewfinders at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in the northwest corner of the Florida Everglades.
Also, William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area on Cape San Blas is managed by the Florida Park Service and is designated for people with disabilities, their families and caregivers. Rish Recreation Area features a mile of pristine coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and access to the St. Joseph Bay, an Olympic-sized swimming pool with a lift and ramp, a canoe/kayak launch and a nature trail. Overnight accommodations are also available.
The foundation’s grants and programs administrator, Paula Russo, uses a mobility-assistive device and has devoted her life to expanding accessibility in nature and outdoor spaces.
She says it best: “Florida State Parks are for everyone to enjoy. Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind on the docks, at the sand line or at the trailhead due to mobility level.”
You can support accessibility at Florida State Parks by making a donation at the Florida State Parks Foundation website. (Leave a note designating your gift for the “Access for All” campaign.) It also helps to share information with your community to help expand accessibility practices in our state parks.
Between our incredible natural wonders, brilliant park staff and volunteers, and our unwavering commitment to accessibility, it is easy to understand why Florida’s state parks are the best in America.
This July, throughout Disability Pride Month, is the perfect time to experience them for yourself.
Julia Gill Woodward is the chief executive officer of the Florida State Parks Foundation, the official nonprofit citizen support organization of Florida State Parks.