‘It gives me a lot more freedom’: Stroke survivors on all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia State Parks are becoming more accessible after launching a pilot program of all-terrain wheelchairs (ATW). The wheelchairs are making it possible for those with mobility impairments to hit the trails. 

8News had the chance to talk to two stroke survivors about the ATWs. The two women both love the outdoors, but their strokes have kept them from being able to enjoy it the way they once did. 

But now, they say the ATWs are helping them reclaim their independence. 

“My son has kindly pushed me in a wheelchair on some of the paved accessible trails at the state parks, but it’s just not the same," Polly Hutchinson said. “When my son pushes me in the wheelchair, he is so generous and would never hesitate when I said stop. But this gives me the freedom to decide, 'this is really pretty and I want to stop, I want to enjoy this moment,' and not have to ask someone to help me with it.” 

Hutchinson survived her stroke in 2016, but as a result she has spastic paralysis on her left side. 

“It really robbed me of so many of the things that I loved to do," she said. 

She said she and her kids used to camp for weeks at a time, go geocaching, and as a former Boy and Girl Scout leader, loved spending time outdoors. 

Due to sensory issues, it’s hard for Hutchinson to walk on anything but pavement. 

But now, Powhatan State Park has one of six ATWs across Virginia’s state parks. There are 6.2 miles of accessible trail at Powhatan State Park for the ATW.

“It gives me a lot more freedom to do what I want to do and see what I want to see, and even just to be out on the trail," she said. "I couldn’t do that without the help of the ATW.” 

Shawn Smith, another stroke survivor, also feels a sense of independence from the ATWs. 

“This is just another opportunity to kind of reclaim that," she said. 

She survived a major ischemic stroke on Halloween of 2021. 

“Worst trick-or-treat ever," Smith joked.

It affected her left side, but she’s working on regaining movement. 

“This... allows me to go out and explore more which is important to me and so I’m super happy that I can do that," Smith said. “I love being out in nature.” 

For park ranger Richard Sease, the impact is visible. 

“You can just see the joy on their face," Sease said. "They’ll stop and see the ferns and they’re in control...To be able to stop and look and take pictures and do what they want to do is pretty awesome.” 

The ATWs run on a reservation system at Powhatan, Claytor Lake, Mason Neck, New River Trail, Shenandoah River and York River State Parks.   

“The ability to enjoy recreation and access to nature is a human right," said park manager Amelia Hulth said. “They leave with a smiling face and come back with a smiling face.” 

The ATWs run on a reservation system. Hulth said you can fill out a reservation online 48 hours in advance. Riders must have a companion with them, and you’ll get a confirmation when the reservation is approved. The six ATWs were funded by Virginia State Park license plate purchases.

“The all-terrain wheelchair gives an amount of independence and freedom that you otherwise may not have," Hulth said.