Trails Without Limits: Nature Just Got More Accessible In Westchester

POUND RIDGE, NY — The leaves are changing and winter is on the way, but an innovative Westchester Parks Foundation program is growing.

Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) unveiled two new all-terrain Trackchairs, thanks to a donation from Croton residents Chandu Visweswariah and Patty Buchanan for the expansion of its "WPF Trails Without Limits" program.

The chairs were unveiled today at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation by Kendal on Hudson senior living resident Lee Oakes, Buchanan’s mother.

"The Trails Without Limits Program continues to expand because of the generous support of local businesses and community members who want to help us connect people living with disabilities with nature," Chair of the Westchester Parks Foundation Board Seth Mandelbaum explained. "The long-term success of the program is dependent upon donations from the community, so we are grateful to Chandu and Patty for their generous contribution to help us provide a rustic hiking experience to those who find it difficult to experience trails without assistance."

Launched in Spring 2023, the Trails Without Limits program allows those with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, amputation, paraplegia, arthritis, cardiac issues, joint replacements, or other mobility concerns the opportunity to immerse themselves in Westchester County Parks.

"Lee and her friends at Kendal are nature lovers but are unable to take advantage of the wonderful hiking available nearby," Visweswariah said. "When we heard about this trailblazing program, we knew this would be the perfect opportunity to allow people like them to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the outdoors."

Participants can sign up for a free 90-minute session to use specially designed All-Terrain Trackchairs to help enjoy trails at Westchester County Parks. The chair allows participants to navigate dirt trails, mud, sand and grass. Trackchair users, with their family, friends or caregivers, will experience a 1–2-mile hike guided by a WPF volunteer. The program rotates throughout Westchester County Parks March-November and is open to all, not just Westchester residents.

Registration for open slots this month at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is currently being accepted, along with October and November signups for Lasdon Park in Katonah.

The Adaptive Cycling Program is also accepting reservations for Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers. For more information on the program and to sign up, visit the WPF website.