Madison, Wis., – Healthy Parks, Healthy You Partners (Foundation for Dane County Parks, Dean Health Plan by Medica and SSM Health) were honored to present the donations of an all-terrain wheelchair and 15-passenger van to the Dane County Park System earlier today. The transportation resources will help expand access to park trails and county park youth programming.
“We know that time spent in nature has immense mental and physical health benefits,” noted SSM Health Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Amy Franta. “To expand access to the incredible trails here at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park for individuals with mobility concerns with the donation of an all-terrain wheelchair and ensure reliable transportation for the Dane County Park System’s youth programming is a wonderful way to express our commitment to this partnership and our community.”
“We support Healthy Parks, Healthy You because the Dane County Park System is an amazing resource for our community and enhance overall wellness,” added Mike Weber, VP Commercial Sales & Retention at Dean Health Plan by Medica. “We’re honored through this donation to help more of our neighbors access our County Parks and spend time enjoying the outdoors.”
The special all-terrain wheelchair is designed with heavy-duty treads that can navigate bumpy terrain that sometimes occurs on nature trails. Individuals with mobility concerns can reserve the wheelchair starting May 1 for use at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park.
“The trails here at the park are a true highlight that provides trail users with a calming and inspiring experience,” says Foundation for Dane County Parks Founder and President William G. Lunney. “Making them more accessible has long been a goal for the Foundation and we are truly excited to make expanded access a reality through this donation.”
An additional donation by the Healthy Parks, Healthy You partnership includes a new 15-passenger van that will provide transportation for participants in youth education programs like Get Outside! Increased transportation resources will assist the parks system in providing area youth valuable hands-on education about the world around them.
“Our parks system is truly incredible, and our team strives to provide these programs at no-cost to families in the Dane County area,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “With this added resource, we can continue to educate and inspire the next generations of nature lovers in Dane County.
The new all-terrain wheelchair and the recently purchased van were presented to the Dane County Parks system during a press conference held at William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park earlier today.
About Healthy Parks, Healthy You
Healthy Parks, Healthy You is a partnership between the Foundation for Dane County Parks, SSM Health and Dean Health Plan by Medica in support of the Dane County Park System.
The partnership is focused on connecting Dane County residents with better mental and physical health through use of the county’s 150 beautiful, diverse county parks. Beginning in 2021, Healthy Parks, Healthy You has focused on increasing accessibility, diversity, and use of the parks through engaging family-focused, free events.
