OLRS 2008 Annual Report
Access to Recreation

Joshua Stack uses a power wheelchair and now has easy access to participate in his favorite activities at an Ohio state park. His typical mode of transportation at the park was a golf cart which can traverse beaches and other rough terrain that his power wheelchair cannot safely do. However, rules in state parks prohibit a motor vehicle off-road and when the park manager started to enforce the law, he stopped using the golf cart.

Monica Burgi, OLRS disability rights advocate, and Stack sought a reasonable accommodation from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) permitting him to continue to use the golf cart. ODNR did not grant the golf cart exemption but through negotiations, agreed to build paths to accommodate wheelchair use, increase the number of accessible parking spaces and make shelter houses, docks and restrooms more accessible and safe.

Stack and his family were invited by ODNR to assist in the discussion and selection of placement of the new paths. Accessible paths are now available for him to enjoy recreational activities in the park, including watching his younger cousins while they play at the playground.