Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

• All centers are free and open to the public. For hours and directions see https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/nature-centers
• The great majority of programs are free of charge.
  
• Kulture City Sensory bags with headphones and fidgets available to borrow with ID at all five of our nature centers.
• Wheelchair available to borrow with ID at all five nature centers.
• Assisted Listening devices with receiver and earpiece for use during programs (24-hour notice required).
• Sign language interpreter services available for programs (72-hour notice required).
• Program locations include at centers, in any of the Cleveland Metroparks Reservations, off site locations within Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township and virtually.
• Custom programs for groups– please call the center of choice to make arrangements or visit https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/education/education-programs for more information regarding natural and cultural history programs, contact us at 216-954-3405 or email us [email protected].

All Outdoor Recreation programs have been evaluated regarding accessibility and activity level. With our professionally trained staff and ability to make equipment adaptations, most programs are accessible to anyone who would like to participate. A complete list of Cleveland Metroparks programs can be found here. Reasonable accommodations can be made, and those requests are best made no later than 72 hours prior to the program. For further information regarding program accessibility, please contact Outdoor Recreation at 216.341.1704 or e-mail [email protected]. Program fees are based on group size and duration.

Custom and group programs are available for those desiring a more specialized accessible adventure. Program ideas available include:

• Fishing
• Handcycling
• Snowshoeing
• Kayaking

General Outdoor Living Skills

• Fire building
• Camp Cooking
• Leave No Trace
• Mock camp set-up
• Camping

Click here for Programs

ADAPTIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

Cleveland Metroparks is dedicated to helping reduce barriers for guests with disabilities. We understand financial need can be one barrier, so adaptive scholarships are available for both individuals and organizations.  Adaptive scholarships can be applied to program fees for Outdoor Experiences programs that meet the criteria noted on the corresponding application. Programs generally include Outdoor Recreation programs (kayaking, camp cooking, handcycling, fishing, etc.), cart tours, archery, or other naturalist-led programs. It excludes Nature Preschool and any registrations not taken directly by Cleveland Metroparks. We ask that you respect scholarship amounts  and apply only if program fees are a financial burden for you or your organization, so scholarship funds stretch and stay available to everyone who needs them. 

• Adaptive Scholarship - Individuals 
• Adaptive Scholarship – Organizations/Groups 

Adaptive scholarship applications must be submitted at least 7 days prior to program date to be considered.  

Cancellation 

Once a scholarship is awarded, if the individual or organization/group cancels, then the scholarship will be considered used, and that individual/organization is no longer eligible for a scholarship during that calendar year.   

MOBILITY EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE 

Action Trackchair & GRIT Freedom Chair

Thanks to grants from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, an all-terrain Action Trackchair as well as a GRIT Freedom Chair are available on a first-come, first-served basis at designated programs and locations. Both are designed to allow guests with disabilities to have access to a variety of trail terrain.

For all uses

• Action Trackchair & GRIT Freedom Chair are only available as noted below. It is not currently available for all Cleveland Metroparks programs and locations.
• Equipment MUST be reserved via Outdoor Recreation at least 1 week in advance of use.
• Guests MUST be able to self-transfer or provide your own assistance to transfer. (Accommodations can be made on a case-by-case basis).
• Staff will accompany all guests during use of the equipment.

Availability

• Click here for Staff-led Trail Challenge Hikes (March – June). Look for the trails designated as most accessible.  
• Tuesdays, mid-June – mid-September at Garfield Park Reservation, generally from 1 – 4 p.m.
• Designated Adaptive Outdoor Recreation programs. Click here for programs  - program descriptions will note availability.

Contact Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Recreation at 216-341-1704 (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or email [email protected] to use the equipment with staff assistance or to discuss any disability related needs. 

Cleveland Metroparks recommends the following locations as the most accessible trails within its park district. All trails are paved and are flat or have minimal slopes (generally 5% grade or less). Trail amenities include accessible parking and restrooms. Explore accessible trails with TrailView. Note that TrailView images displayed below may not be an accurate representation of trail conditions in all seasons and weather scenarios.

STAY CONNECTED

Interested in learning more about Cleveland Metroparks adaptive and inclusive  opportunities? Sign up for Cleveland Metroparks quarterly newsletter to get updates on upcoming adaptive and inclusive programs, events, adaptive equipment available, accessibility and more!