New River Gorge National Park and Preserve receives grant to promote park accessibility

Jessica Phillips
·2 min read

GLEN JEAN, WV (WVNS) — The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was awarded a grant that will help with park accessibility.

The grant, awarded by National Park Foundation’s Park Ventures program in partnership with Active Southern West Virginia’s Get Active in the Park (GAP) initiative, will help by increasing accessibility information on river accesses and park trails, as well as adaptive programs shown by GAP Community Captain volunteers in the park.

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“We are pleased and excited to make this announcement. We strive to provide all park visitors with the tools they need to make their visit safe and enjoyable. This grant will provide yet another tool to promote these efforts.”

Charles Sellars | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Superintendent

Not only will the funds from the grant be used to buy equipment, the funds will also be used to recruit, train, sustain, and equip program volunteers, as well as being used to make a database about the river access points and hiking trails in the park. The database would allow information to be found about accessibility for those who are disabled, as well as other park visitors.

Park visitors who can find information on accessibility can make informed decisions according to the access requirements that they need.

The Get Active in the Park program encourages an active and healthy lifestyle by using adaptive and inclusive outdoor activities that allow volunteers and participants to find a sense of belonging, accountability, and create social connections.

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“Active Southern West Virginia and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve have been
strong partners through the GAP program since 2016. This grant will enrich that partnership with accessible program offerings and information that empower the local community and park visitors to experience the park in a way they never have before.”

Melanie Seiler | Active SWV Executive Director

In early spring, trail inventory work will start with the hope of the trail database being ready for public use in October.

More information about the GAP program can be found here.

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