ALL-ACCESS FUN UP NORTH Beaches, trails, and playgrounds for folks with limited mobility — and an unlimited passion to play and explore By Ross Boissoneau & Lynda Wheatley One trend we can all get behind: the great strides made in creating and adapting recreational options Up North so people of all abilities can access and enjoy our extraordinary outdoors. Local, and regional groups alike have spearheaded efforts to build or retrofit playgrounds, install mobility mats on beaches, provide portable hearing devices to those with hearing loss, and more. At the state level, accessible playgrounds are a design element that's a part of all new state park playground projects. Whether you or someone you love has a physical disability and wants to explore more of the North’s woods, waters, beaches, and wildlife (playgrounds teeming with feral children included), we’ve compiled a list of our picks for some of the region’s coolest parks, beaches, and recreational opportunities available — and accessible — to all.
The super generous Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes takes reservations for free use of a track chair. Learn more by clicking on Programs/Track Chair at friendsofsleepingbear.org.
More than 201 plant species, 250 bird species, 28 fish species, and one threatened plant species — wild rice — has been documented in the 305-acre Arcadia Marsh Preserve. Photo courtesy of Manistee Tourism Bureau
ARCADIA MARSH More than 80 percent of the Great Lakes’ coastal marshes have been destroyed in the last century. Arcadia Marsh Preserve, located just south of Arcadia, is one of only 16 remaining along Lake Michigan. A must-see for birders, photographers, and anyone who wants to witness the beauty and elegance of a uniquely productive ecosystem, Arcadia Marsh Preserve limits explorers only by species and dates, not mobility. Dogs, for instance, are never allowed. People are always welcome, but between April 15 and July 15, when some of the marsh’s more sensitive birds are nesting, the central portion of its 2019-built one-mile boardwalk — stretching over, not just along the marsh — is closed. Now open for summer 2021, the smooth and extensive boardwalk is easily accessed from parking lots at each end (one off M-22; the other at the St. Pierre Trailhead off St. Pierre Road, north of Frederick Road).
This accessible playground at Leelanau State Park was made possible through a community fundraising effort spearheaded by the Friends of Leelanau State Park and a community build accomplished with the help of Michigan Cares for Tourism's all-volunteer workforce. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNR.
LEELANAU STATE PARK Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula at 15310 N. Lighthouse Point Road in Northport, Leelanau State Park’s accessible playground is awesome for any kid of any ability. Featuring two slides, a log balance beam, a crow's nest, trapeze rings, and other fun but challenging components, the playground sits on a rubberized surface that makes access easier for persons of all mobility levels, according to the DNR. It was made possible by a massive volunteer effort, including a community build assisted by Michigan Cares for Tourism, the nonprofit organization headquartered at Grand Valley State University. All told, more than 50 donor organizations and 300 volunteers worked on the projects at Leelanau State Park/ Grand Traverse Lighthouse, including the playground, as well as painting the lighthouse and making the hiking trails more accessible. The community fundraising drive was spearheaded by Friends of Leelanau State Park. The park encompasses more than 1,500 acres.
20 • july 26, 2021 • Northern Express Weekly
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE With 71,187 acres along 35 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, there are places where it’s impossible to get to for anyone, much less those with a disability. That said, there are plenty of opportunities for those with limited mobility to enjoy the sights and sounds. Some of our favorite spots: The Duneside Accessible Nature Trail, located at the Dune Climb, is made of crushed limestone, making it easier to push a wheelchair. The Maritime Museum Boathouse and at The Cannery in Glen Haven (neither allow reservations) also offers has sand-ready wheelchairs and can direct you to some ideal and accessible spots to enjoy the sun, shade, or a sunset. (Hint: There is a hard-surfaced beach deck with benches at the Cannery Beach.) Don’t want to risk it? The organization Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes offers free use of an electric Track Chair on the Lakeshore’s Bay View Trail — with reservations — and it also offers accessibility information about every beach and official trail (with maps, degree of difficulty ratings, and photos of accessibility barriers!) at its website: friendsofsleepingbear.org. Those with a hearing loss can take advantage of ranger-guided hikes and portable wireless devices. Park brochures are available in Braille, and most public facilities within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are wheelchair accessible, as are the overlooks found along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Find your pleasure at https://www.nps.gov/ slbe/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm and www.tdtcompanion.com/NPS/SleepingBear
