GRIT

Sending a huge shoutout to the parks, partners, and organizations using GRIT Freedom Chairs to help folks enjoy the outdoors!

See the ever-growing list here: https://www.gogrit.us/build-parks-organizations/. If your organization is using GRIT chairs and would like to be added to the list, please DM us and we'll get you added!

Image Credit: GRIT, NORA Off-Road Adventures
Image Description: Two people in GRIT chairs ride toward the camera along a wooded, gravel trail.

Estes Park, Estes Park Mountain Shop, KEP Expeditions, and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy partner to use GRIT and get outdoors! Their recent ribbon-cutting event celebrated accessibility in RMNP and the SIX GRIT Freedom Chairs available for use.

Read more in the article from Estes Park News, here: https://www.estesparknews.com/estes_valley_spotlight/article_f6b63e80-f2ae-421b-bb03-f3bbdb57e883.html

Image Credit: www.estesparknews.com
Image Description: A group of event participants poses behind a red ribbon. Two of the people are in GRIT chairs. Trees and mountains are in the background.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum now has GRIT Freedom Chairs AND an accessible treehouse!

“By ensuring pathways are wide, even, and free of obstacles, we have created a safer and more user-friendly experience for wheelchair users, families with strollers, and individuals with other mobility aids,” added Jenny Gardner, CAPN Play Environments Manager.

Read more here: https://bernheim.org/news/treehouse/

Image Credit: Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
Image Description: An accessible, multi-level, wooden treehouse in the woods with an accessible ramp leading to the front entrance.

Accessible Adventures: A Disabled Hiker’s Guide to 5 Washington State Parks!

Written by Syren Nagakyrie of Disabled Hikers, this guide goes into great detail about each park's wheelchair-accessible trails, accessible activities like picnic spots, beaches, interpretive centers, park facilities, and more!

Access the guide here: https://waparks.org/accessible_adventure_guide/

Image Credit: Text describing the disabled hiker's guide to 5 Washington State parks is placed below an image of a wooden landing on a waterside walkway.
Image Description: Washington State Parks Foundation

Help Somerset County, NJ, choose GRIT!

The Somerset County Park Commission is looking to buy an all-terrain wheelchair to make their trails more accessible to everyone. They’re inviting you to weigh in via an online survey or join one of the focus groups. Read more here: https://www.somersetcountyparks.org/home/news/somerset-county-park-commission-seeks-public-input-purchase-all-terrain-wheelchair

Photo Credit: Somerset County Park Commission
Photo Description: Three all-terrain wheelchair options are displayed in photos. Behind the photo is a forest/trail background. Below the photos is text describing the contest and voting instructions.

Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks in Ohio are now offering a GRIT Freedom Chair to the public, allowing wheelchair users to explore trails and rough terrain! The chair will rotate among parks for short-term sign-ups to increase outdoor accessibility. Learn more here: https://www.grovecitymessenger.com/lifestyle/09/22/9-28grit-freedom-chair/

Image Description: A person smiles in a GRIT chair parked in deep mud. He is wearing blue sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt.
Image Credit: Tyler R., GRIT

Upcoming in Bend, Oregon, from October 8-12: Check out the ADAPTED sports film screening! ADAPTED follows three outdoor enthusiasts determined to reclaim their lives after sustaining traumatic spinal-cord injuries. Learn more here: https://adaptedthefilm.com/

Image Description:
A person in a sit ski poses on a snowy mountain. "ADAPTED" is superimposed behind them. The text at the bottom of the photo reads "Three life-changing injuries, three life-affirming adventures."
Image Credit: Adaptedthefilm.com

Get outside in MA this fall with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)!

The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Universal Access Program is offering adaptive hiking, paddling, cycling, and golfing at state parks this fall. Programs include specialized equipment like the GRIT Freedom Chair so visitors of all abilities can explore the outdoors. Family and friends are welcome too!

Register and learn more here: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-accessible-fall-recreation-opportunities

Photo Description:⁠ A person in a GRIT Freedom Chair rides along a packed gravel path. Small groups of others are on the trail ahead.
Photo Credit: Jennifer B.

New GRIT Rider Review!

"The chair arrived on Saturday, and we have gone out to several different parks this week. The ride is wonderfully smooth. It is a most excellent chair. Thank you to all at GRIT for making these." —Ken

Image description: A person rides over grass toward a wooded area. Tall grasses are on his right. They are wearing a blue T-shirt and a baseball cap.

Save the date in Estes Park, Colorado!

Join the Accessibility Showcase on Oct 2 (4–6 PM) at Estes Park Mountain Shop to try adaptive gear, ranging from all-terrain GRIT wheelchairs to listening devices and beyond, and hear a panel on the future of accessibility in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Click here for more information: https://www.estesparknews.com/estes_park_news/article_7a84a83b-77b6-4477-8aa0-2135b6dfa441.html

Photo credit: Estes Park News, Estes Park Mountain Shop
Photo description: Three thumbnail photos showing a family posing at an overlook, an accessible bus, and a group of people hiking. The overlaid text says "Accessibility Showcase: Estes Park Mountain Shop, October 2, 2025, 4:00-6:00PM)