GPD Creates Cart Tours for Those with Limited Mobility

Geauga Park District recently increased access to select parks for individuals with limited mobility through its Accessible Nature Cart Tours.

Toward the end of spring, GPD began offering a registration-only program for those with limited mobility that includes a one-hour golf cart tour — participants must be able to enter and exit the cart on their own — led by GPD Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator Andy Avram. 

On July 6, Avram led two such tours at Veterans Legacy Woods in Newbury Township.

“Geauga Park District’s accessible nature cart tours are such a gift for members of our community with limited mobility who would otherwise be unable to explore these wonderful parks with a naturalist at the helm, an added benefit as our tour guide,”

said Candy Lawrence, of Middlefield. “Andy pointed out fascinating details we may otherwise not have been aware of. It’s an educational and uplifting experience and I’m very grateful for our extraordinary park district stretching their tentacles to incorporate diversity and inclusivity to our neighbors with mobility issues. We are very blessed.”

Lawrence joined Al and Lorrie Schindler, of Munson Township, for the second afternoon tour, journeying the sprawling former golf course’s terrain.

The couple participated in two program tours so far and are registered for more.

Lorrie said they love the information Avram shares.

“I am no longer able to walk these parks due to health issues and I cannot put into words how good it feels to be back on the trails being one with God’s creations,” Lorrie said. “They are so much fun.”

Guests boarded their cart near the entrance’s Corridor of Flags and motored past Tribute Lodge, the nature-based playground and pavilion, as Avram periodically stopped to share the park’s natural wonders and future plans.

“In an effort to jump start forest growth along the fairways, Geauga Park District planted 1,000 native trees and shrubs that are important for wildlife between April 2023 and April 2024,” Avram said. “Hundreds of volunteers from various organizations and the general public joined us to make this happen.”

More stops included the identification of trees and plants along the updated trail system as birds chirped loudly in the distance.

A little over halfway through the tour, Avram pointed out portions of Duty Trail’s closures for ongoing stream restoration.

“We are currently working on making a new stream channel for a cold-water spring with the hopes of reintroducing the state endangered brook trout,” Avram said.

Lawrence delighted as Avram identified spatterdock, bladderwort, or pointed out painted turtle heads peeking out from the ponds, dragonflies, as well as fuzzy-leaved mullein plants and mushroom fungi.

“But, the most exciting part of the tour was his explanation and discovery of brook trout being reintroduced to these shallow, cold and oxygenated streams,” Lawrence said. “Andy’s wealth of information was so appreciated. I felt like I was on a safari right in our backyards, only it was Northeast Ohio and not Africa. I’ve now experienced both … very cool and awesome.”

Avram said it is a special moment when people tell him the cart tour allowed them to see trails they haven’t been able to access for years due to their limited mobility.

Kelly Connors, of Chardon, participated in the first of the afternoon’s tours and expressed her gratitude. 

“We are truly grateful for the park having this type of program and are excited to explore more parks if they are able,” Lorrie added. “Andy really is a blessing. He is kind, patient and very knowledgeable. He really makes the tour more fun.” 

GPD will be offering nature cart tours one to two times per month from April/May to October in different parks throughout the district. Some tours are scheduled to showcase a park while others, a natural phenomenon, such as The West Woods during spring wildflower season.

Avram is pleased his participants are trying to sign up for as many tours as possible.

“That tells us we really are on the right track and reaching our intended audience,” Avram said. “It is rewarding to hear that the participants really enjoy and appreciate this program.”

In addition to the naturalist-led cart tours, the six-seat golf cart is available to borrow only at Veterans Legacy Woods for those who meet GPD’s criteria and are approved for a special use permit. The cart is available for all armed forces, active duty or veterans, seniors ages 65 and older, and guests with limited mobility.   

For more information, visit geaugaparkdistrict.org or call 440-286-9516. 

PULLQUOTE – “I am no longer able to walk these parks due to health issues and I cannot put into words how good it feels to be back on the trails being one with God’s creations. They are so much fun.” – Lorrie Schindler

ROSE NEMUNAITIS/KMG

0731 – Geauga Park District’s Andy Avram, naturalist & volunteer coordinator leads  an accessible one-hour cart tour at Veterans Legacy Woods.

0711, 0712  – Geauga Park District’s Veterans Legacy Woods’ 180-acre park, is on the road to restoring the former golf course’s lands to a more natural state.

0716, 1717 – Geauga Park District Naturalist & Volunteer Coordinator Andy Avram shares interesting facts along a one-hour accessible nature tour at Veterans Legacy Woods.

0710 – Andy Avram, Geauga Park District naturalist & volunteer coordinator talks to tour-goers about the interesting natural details inside Veterans Legacy Woods designed to honor the legacy of anyone who has served in our Armed Forces. 

0703, 0704 – An accessible cart tour group stops at a majestic Northern Red Oak tree during one of Geauga Park District’s newest features – accessible nature cart tours.