Central Ohio park district offering free all-terrain wheelchair rental

GRANVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — People with mobility issues can now enjoy the great outdoors along with friends and family members, thanks to a new program created by a central Ohio park agency.

Licking Park District is currently offering free rentals of all-terrain wheelchairs. The park district's rental option of the innovative devices has been the subject of several social media posts praising the service.

“We had a blast testing out the Licking Park District's Grit Freedom Chair!” posted Licking County Aging Partners. “These all-terrain wheelchairs make trails, grass, and uneven terrain more accessible—and they’re available to rent for free! Get outside and explore!”

“Thank you to the Licking Park District for hosting a fantastic accessibility lunch and learn,” Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities shared about a recent event. “It was great to … test drive their all-terrain wheelchairs, which are available for the public to rent, free of charge, to enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.”

Kyle Lund, Licking Park District's Director, shared with NBC4 his personal experience with the chair.

“My mother-in-law is in a wheelchair and is in a memory care facility,” said Lund. “During the warmer months, my wife and I take her on hikes in one of the adult all-terrain wheelchairs. She really enjoys getting out in nature and listening to the birds.

“Without this chair, our outings with her consisted of staying on pavement, usually along sidewalks at her facility or in shopping malls. The chair has really opened up her world.”

Jena Cooper, owner of Cooper's Knoll Farm, a farm and petting zoo in Pataskala, borrowed a chair to help her get around the grounds and animals after knee surgery for a torn ACL. She posted a video demonstrating how it works, which received thousands of views.

“Thank you so much to the Licking Park District for the use of this amazing all-terrain chair! It’s been SO HELPFUL to allow me to get out on the farm!” Cooper wrote. “Y’all — if you are in a wheelchair and need one that gets around better for an event or a hike with the family — call them! They are available for FREE for you to use for a day or two!”

Cooper told NBC4 that the chair has been a “lifesaver” and that young campers have been in friendly competition to push her around in the chair.

The park district has multiple all-terrain wheelchairs from GRIT Freedom Chairs. The chairs are designed with three wheels and levers that enable users to maneuver over rugged terrain. Additionally, there are push bars that can be used for any degree of assistance. A cushioned seat and footrests allow for a comfortable journey, according to the agency's website.

At this time, the park district has five ATWs available, two youth and three adult models. The purchase of a third youth model was also recently approved with another $5,000 donation. The models include GRIT Juniors, designed for youth weighing under 200 pounds, and GRIT Spartans, for teens and adults weighing up to 350 pounds.

The ATWs can be reserved at no cost for weekday or weekend rentals. A weekday rental lasts 24 hours on Monday through Thursday. Weekend rentals are three days, from Friday to Monday. Reservations can be made from one day to a week in advance by calling the Licking Park District office at 740-587-2535.

Since ATWs disassemble to fit into the trunk of a small car, the chairs can be used anywhere renters would like to take them, not just areas managed by the park district.

Riders under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All riders are required to provide and wear their own helmet. The park district recommends that all riders “hike” with a friend or family member.

With each chair costing approximately $5,000, the program is made possible by generous grants. The park district's investment is designed to provide nature education, relaxation, socialization, and exercise for people experiencing temporary or permanent lower-body challenges.

See the informational flyer from Licking Park District below.