MARINETTE, Wis. — Marinette County Aging and Disability Center and the Marinette County Parks Department will host Wheel Hike Together, an adaptive hiking event Oct. 4-9 at Thunder Mountain Overlook.

Wheel Hike Together participants and their companions can reserve Access Ability Wisconsin’s all-terrain outdoor wheelchairs in one-hour increments, to explore the park’s trails and scenic overlook.

In place of wheels, the battery powered OWCs operate on a track system and offer a placement option for a companion to control the chair. These chairs can go where traditional wheelchairs can’t go.

Providing access to these “hiking boots” allows anyone living with a physical disability an opportunity to experience the dignity and freedom to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. It has a tilt feature to aid the rider in leveling the seat of the chair. There is no cost to reserve an AAW chair; however, regular park entry fees apply.

“We’re pleased to partner with the Marinette County ADRC to provide accessibility on the park trails to individuals who might not have the mobility to hike them,” commented Martin Keyport, director of Marinette County Parks and Facilities. “It’s a great chance for families and friends to include loved ones in an autumn hike.”

“Freedom and independence are what most people living with a mobility challenge say after using one of AAW’s outdoor wheelchairs. The ability to use these ‘hiking boots’ with their loved ones while accessing the outdoors is one of the most important comments repeated by clients,” explains Monica Spaeni, president of AAW. “We are excited about the Marinette County Parks Department taking these steps to include all abilities in their programming.”

The AAW chairs will be available only by reservation. No residency requirements apply. Participants with care needs must be accompanied by a companion. Registration is available on a first come-first-served basis by going to ExploreMarinetteCounty.com.

Limited quantities of supportive gear such as seatbelt extensions, vests, and a headrest will be available, however participants are encouraged to bring required care equipment, including transfer equipment. All transfers must be conducted by companions; event staff will not be available to assist.

Thunder Mountain is approximately 20 miles northwest of Crivitz, Wis., and offers almost three miles of mowed, well-marked hiking trails and scenic views of western Marinette County. During Wheel Hike Together, the park will remain open to other park visitors. Thunder Mountain is one of the stops on Marinette County’s Fall Colors Tour.

AAW outdoor wheelchairs are provided courtesy of Access Ability Wisconsin and Options for Independent Living. AAW is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the means to access outdoor recreational opportunities for people living with temporary or permanent mobility challenges, promoting access inclusion, equity and healthy living. Go to www.AccessAbilityWI.org for more information, to see them in action, or to find AAW Network locations throughout the state.

Options for Independent Living is a non-profit organization committed to empowering people with disabilities to lead independent and productive lives in their community through advocacy, the provision of information, education, technology and related services. The organization serves 17 counties in Northeastern Wisconsin, including Marinette County. More information can be found at optionsil.org.

Marinette County Parks day passes are $5 and available at self-service stations located at park entrances.

Annual or day passes can also be purchased online at marinettecounty.com/parks/ .

For more information or to reserve an all-terrain chair for Wheel Hike Together go to ExploreMarinetteCounty.com.