Minnesota’s 75 state parks and recreation areas all have accessibility barriers which prevent people with a broad range of disabilities, veterans and seniors from fully enjoying these state funded outdoor recreational facilities.
Since 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II has required that all public services, programs and activities be provided in a way that is readily accessible to people with disabilities. Minnesota made great strides in removing physical barriers in state-owned buildings and facilities in the 1990s. Since then, improvements solely for accessibility purposes have lagged due to lack of funding.
With almost half of all state-owned buildings owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), ensuring our state park system is fully accessible represents huge progress in upholding ADA standards under Title II, and will have a huge impact on the ability of Minnesotans with disabilities to access the health benefits of our outdoor recreation system statewide.
Because of this challenge, the Minnesota Council on Disability is pleased to announce our #MNParksForAll campaign at the Minnesota State Fair. We call on the Minnesota Legislature to fund an all-inclusive outdoor recreational experience for all Minnesotans, regardless of ability. Stop by our booth at the Fair to learn more about this pressing issue and to pick up gear to show your support!