Township to purchase ‘off-road’ wheelchairs

Last Updated on Monday, June 18, 2012 01:29 pm Written by Staff Reports Monday, June 18, 2012 10:56 am

PETERSBURG – The township will purchase two large-wheeled wheelchairs to improve ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access to Amanda’s Field and Caldwell Park.

Upper Township Committee recently approved a move to give coaches keys to park gates at Caldwell Park so they can be opened for individuals in wheelchairs. The access gates at the park are small and wheelchairs could not fit through them.

The problem now is that wheelchairs cannot travel over the dirt and grass. Township engineer Paul Dietrich said it would cost $5,000 to build a paved path for the wheelchairs.

Instead, the township will purchase two large-wheeled wheelchairs for Caldwell Park and Amanda’s Field. The chairs, commonly seen on the beach, can travel over dirt, sand and grass.