Georgia’s State Park System Wins National Innovation Award

All-terrain wheelchairs, ADA accessible kayak launches and accessible fishing docks are among the many offerings in Georgia’s State Park system that helped earn the state a national award yesterday. In recognition of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) new accessibility initiative, Outdoors Beyond Barriers, the National Association of State Parks Directors (NASPD) presented DNR’s State Parks and Historic Sites Division with its Innovation Award. It was accepted by Georgia State Parks Director Angie Johnson at the annual conference on Thursday.

The award recipient best exemplifies innovation in our nation’s state parks by creating a best practice, demonstrating exceptional problem solving, improving outdoor recreation opportunities, or enhancing cultural resources.

“I am honored to represent the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in accepting this recognition,” said Johnson. “We strive to make outdoor recreation accessible to every person, at all ability levels.”

Launched in March 2024, Outdoors Beyond Barriers highlights Georgia DNR’s commitment to encourage and empower those with mobility impairments to connect with nature by providing ways to enjoy paddling, hiking, fishing, camping, hunting and other outdoor recreational opportunities. In the 2024 fiscal year, more $2.4 million was invested toward improvements.

Two years ago, the agency partnered with the Aimee Copeland Foundation’s All Terrain Georgia to acquire all-terrain wheelchairs. The specialized chairs are available for free at 20 state parks and historic sites, and in 2023, more than 250 reservations had been made. NASPD’s Bronco Wild Fund grant will purchase all-terrain GRIT chairs to be placed at a few more parks next summer. These require more upper body movement than Action Trackchairs, but are thinner and able to navigate more narrow trails.

Other accessibility improvements include funding for an accessible kayak launch, parking area, boat rental dock and pathway at Jack Hill State Park in Reidsville. A new ADA picnic shelter at High Falls State Park in Jackson was just completed, and an ADA kayak launch is already placed at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge. Legislative funding has been secured to build a new accessible waterfront area at Tallulah Gorge State Park, which will include ADA parking, an accessible bathroom, pathways and an accessible kayak launch which enables the park to provide paddling programs for people at all ability levels. Dozens of ADA campsites, cottages, yurts, picnic shelters and playgrounds are available as well.

To learn more about these offerings in Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites, visit GaStateParks.org.