MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — People are taking to some of the Marinette County trails on tracked wheelchairs. It’s all part of the third annual “Wheel Hike Together” event.
“We are always, in our parks department, and in our county in general, are striving to provide options for people that have a mobility issue,” said Martin Keyport, Marinette County Facilities and Parks Director.
“Thunder Mountain Overlook Park adapts perfectly to this. The trails are nice and wide, grassy. There’s a few areas that are a little dirt-covered, with some roots and rocks,” he said.
Martin Keyport says seven tracked wheelchairs, and one vehicle with wheels, are ready to take on the three miles of trails at the park northwest of Crivitz.
“Our parks are natural. It’s hard to provide access into our parks. Some of our parks are very difficult to access if you have a mobility issue. This park matches perfectly with the chairs to get people around,” he said.
Keyport says it’s free to ride, but people need to sign up online in advance.
“They can go to exploremarinettecounty.com. It’ll be the first thing you see on there. We can give you a one-hour block, or we can give you a two-hour block. It’s your choice,” he said.
And with the fall colors season starting to ramp up, Keyport says Thunder Mountain Overlook Park is worth the trip.
“We’ve got three color routes laid out. And you can get up to the top in less than a mile. So easily, within your hour block, you can get to the overlook. You can check out some of the more wooded trails. There’s a lot of options out there for you,” he said.
The event runs through Sunday.
Marinette County charges a $5 daily fee to enter its parks.
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