The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has plenty to celebrate this year: The organization has reached its 30th anniversary, and is also marking 10 years of the Frick Environmental Center and 20 years of Schenley Plaza.
Among the new resources that families will discover at the Parks Conservancy’s free Decade of Discovery event at the Frick Environmental Center on April 18 is the Trackchair program, which was created to expand outdoor access for people with mobility challenges.
Trackchairs are battery-powered, all-terrain wheelchairs that can explore off-road terrains like park trails that were previously impossible to navigate for people with limited mobility.
The Frick Environmental Center currently has four Trackchairs: Two are ST 24’s (a larger, wider Trackchair built for lateral stability with a weight limit of 300 pounds) and two are Axis 30’s (a narrower model, with built-in vibration dampeners to improve the ride quality, with a weight limit of 350 pounds).
These are free to borrow for youth (ages 5+) and adults with limited mobility, as long as users fit safely in the Trackchairs. Users do need to be accompanied by a friend, family member or support person who can join for the entire outing and assist with transfers, if needed. And users under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
If you or a member of your family would like to use one, reservations will open April 16 (we’ll add the link here once it’s available) for outings between May 1 and June 7. If all available dates are booked, you’ll be able to join the Parks Conservancy’s waitlist (we’ll also add that link here one it’s available).
Additional dates for June and July will be available for booking in late May, with more added on a rolling basis.
You’ll also have support on your first outing: A trained Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy volunteer will join the Trackchair user’s first time to ensure a safe experience.
This video shares more about the fun planned for the Parks Conservancy’s 30th anniversary this year.
“This anniversary is both a celebration and a moment of reflection,” said Catherine Qureshi, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in a press release. “Thirty years ago, our founder, Meg Cheever, envisioned Pittsburgh’s parks as places that bring people together, reflect the spirit of our city, and are cared for with intention. We are proud to carry that legacy forward and grateful every day to work alongside our partners at the City of Pittsburgh and our neighboring communities.”