Outdoor recreation is one way to stay active, social, and connected with your community. Adaptive sports have been around for some time, but knowing about it and how to get involved is a different story.
Evidence shows that getting outside and being in nature supports a healthy lifestyle and boosts our mood. Who wouldn’t want those benefits? Finding accessible trails or inclusive opportunities can turn into hours of research. One benefit is unplugging from the “daily grind.” Our daily lives involve so much screen time for work, school, or play that getting outside allows us to unplug and recenter ourselves.
Here are a few Northeast Ohio opportunities for adaptive, outdoor recreation
Getting out for a Roll
With multiple trailheads in the east, west, and downtown areas, many of these trails in the Cleveland and Lorain County MetroParks are paved, making these trails accessible. Go for a roll in your wheelchair, or take a handcycle or similar equipment out for a longer trip. Cleveland MetroParks also offers other outdoor/nature-related events like bird watching and other family-friendly events. You can find more information on https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks or https://www.loraincountymetroparks.com/trails. Many trailheads sit inside of a park setting, so if exploring trails isn’t your thing, enjoy your book or some company while sitting under a pavilion.
Handcycling
Cleveland Metroparks has, in the past, hosted events for those with limited mobility to try out handcycling. You will need to contact them to inquire about future events. If you have handcycled before and have a way of transporting one, the United Spinal Association Northeast Ohio Chapter (USANEO) owns 7 handcycles that can be loaned out to members for 30 days at a time. For more information, or to inquire about borrowing one, send them an email at unitedspinalneo@gmail.com
If you haven’t handcycled before, or you just want something to do, USANEO is hosting their 3rd Annual Handcycle and Picnic in the Park. It'll be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Cottonwood Reserved Shelter in the Rocky River Reservation from 10 am to 2 pm. We will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers with food & drinks to go with them. Our 7 handcycles will be present to try out, and some yard games if you just want to come to hang out. The past events have been a blast, and I’m looking forward to this event. Please RSVP with the link here: https://forms.gle/CnCqEgJE7qfUJ5hE9
Kayaking
Cleveland MetroParks, and the LoCo Yaks of Lorain County offer adaptive paddling. In collaboration with the Lorain Port Authority and a grant from Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the LoCo Yaks installed a public, free to use, ADA accessible boat launch at the E 14th Street Boat launch in Lorain. Visit locoyaks.com for more information or to connect with them on their social media.
Outdoor recreation is accessible for all abilities. You don’t have to do an activity to enjoy the outdoors. Simply getting outside to enjoy the view or the breeze can be enjoyable and a break from the “hustle & bustle” of everyday life.
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Let’s keep those happy thoughts, productivity, and self-care going! Until next time, live honestly, passionately, and with kindness! Take care!
