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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *July 21, 2025
*Contact: *DNR Office of Communications
[email protected]

DNR Offers Universal Recreation With Outdoor Options For All

 

someone riding a motorized wheelchair on a trail in a forest with two people and two dogs

Many state properties host adaptive equipment for outdoor recreation. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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MADISON, Wis.* – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that Wisconsin’s state parks, forests and recreation areas offer a variety of universal recreation options available across the state. These include equipment available to borrow, such as adaptive kayaks, all-terrain wheelchairs and beach wheelchairs, and amenities such as accessible fishing piers, universal play areas and barrier-free accessible cabins for camping.

Public lands are communal spaces that provide relaxation, physical activity and socialization opportunities. Universal recreation opportunities ensure that all visitors have access to the physical and mental benefits of outdoor recreation and spending time outside.

July is Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal civil rights law passed in July 1990 that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities. The DNR is committed to providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for people of all abilities around the state during Disability Pride Month and year-round.

Many state properties host adaptive equipment for outdoor recreation. The DNR's adaptive equipment fleet includes adaptive kayaks, beach wheelchairs, motorized and nonmotorized outdoor wheelchairs, cross-country sit skis and beach access mats. Locations where adaptive equipment is hosted can be found on the Adaptive Equipment webpage [ [link removed] ].

Park conditions can change, and adaptive equipment is added or moved at properties throughout the year. Visitors interested in using equipment should call the property before their visit to ensure the equipment or accessible features are available. To locate properties with accessible amenities and equipment, visit the Find A Park webpage [ [link removed] ] and add a filter for "Accessible Features and Services."

Universal recreation equipment and amenities provide opportunities for the entire family to recreate outdoors together. Features like universal trails, benches and barrier-free access paths to play areas create safer, more user-friendly spaces for all visitors, including parents with strollers, elderly individuals and those recovering from injuries.

Join DNR staff and partners for Universal Recreation Day at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit on Sept. 6, 2025, near the North Shelter. This drop-in event will have activities for visitors of all ages and universal recreation equipment to try out. Launch a paddlecraft from the property’s new universal kayak launch, explore using a motorized or nonmotorized outdoor wheelchair, cool off using a beach wheelchair or take a short hike down the newly installed boardwalk trail.  

Learn more about the universal recreation amenities and equipment available at Wisconsin State Park System properties by visiting the DNR's Open the Outdoors webpage [ [link removed] ].

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EVENT DETAILS

*What: *DNR Universal Recreation Day
*When: *Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025
*Where: *Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit
North Shelter
3544 Kettle Moraine Road
Hartford, WI 53027







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