Making outdoor recreation accessible for all

Spring has arrived, and many of us are excited to participate in outdoor activities, like visiting parks and hiking on Minnesota’s extensive trail system. However, only about 30% of Minneapolis Park properties meet basic federal accessibility standards for disabled people, and the degree of accessibility varies from park to park across the state.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) “Accessible Outdoors” effort is actively addressing these challenges with initiatives such as providing trail chairs and renovating parks. Still, more solutions are needed to improve accessibility for everyone. You can help these efforts by doing the following:

• Advocate for accessible infrastructure, such as ramps, wider paths, benches, accessible restrooms, picnic areas with level ground, and clear signage that includes sensory information.
• Participate in inclusive activities, like adaptive gardening or guided hikes.
• Practice thoughtful inclusion by asking individuals with disabilities what they need for a comfortable experience.
• Consider volunteering with local adaptive sports or outdoor recreation groups, such as St. Paul’s Adaptive Recreation or Northland Adaptive Recreation.

ASR Staff Engagement April 30 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey examines our hobbies and interests. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most do not enjoy going camping (57.1%). When asked about your preferred outdoor temperature, there was an even split in preferring 66-70 degrees and 71-75 degrees (34.5% each).

Finally, many state parks, such as Minneopa State Park, and national parks, such as Grand Teton National Park, were mentioned as favorite natural areas. Lakes, beaches, and our own backyards received shout-outs as well. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

April 14 survey results

Do you enjoy camping?

• Yes (42.9%)
• No (57.1%)

If you had to spend a day outside, what would be your preferred temperature?

• 60-65 degrees (27.6%)
• 66-70 degrees (34.5%)
• 71-75 degrees (34.5%)
• 76 degrees or higher (3.4%)

What is one of your favorite natural areas (ex. parks, lakes, etc) that you have visited?

• Pacific Northwest
• Door County, WI and the various state parks and nature areas there
• Any beach on the south shores of Long Island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
• The Icefields Parkway located in the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper
• Joshua Tree!
• Lands End Park, San Francisco, CA
• Devil's Lake (WI)
• Lake Elmo Regional Park
• Niagara Falls
• Lake Josephine

ASR Staff Engagement April 16 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey examines our experiences outdoors. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most do not use a physical calendar (66.7%). Most also prefer to organize by color when given the option (59.3%). Finally, we asked for your most challenging things to organize. Responses were varied, but organizing the basement, kitchen/fridge, and digital files were mentioned most frequently.

Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

April 2 survey results

Do you currently use a physical calendar?

• Yes (33.3%)
• No (66.7%)

When given the option, do you prefer to organize by color (i.e. color coding)?

• Yes (59.3%)
• No (7.4%)
• Sometimes, it depends (33.3%)

What's one of the most challenging things (work or non-work related) for you to organize?

• Extended family gatherings near holidays
• My digital files! Both work and non-work. It's so easy to forget about them when they're not physically staring me down.
• Prepping weekly meals for the week/month
• Incoming snail mail is the bane of my existence
• Kitchen pantry
• Thoughts
• Life!