Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan recently received a ParkVentures grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF) to purchase an accessible fishing dock for Grand Sable Lake. The ADA-compliant dock was installed Thursday, August 11 adjacent to the parking lot at the east end of the lake, along County Highway H-58. A trail to the dock will be widened and a walkway mat will be installed to make it easier for wheelchair users to access the dock.
“This dock will provide a fantastic fishing area for those needing wheelchair access to the park’s shorelines,“ said David Horne, Park Superintendent. “Beyond fishing, and just as important, this new dock will offer a more accessible option for folks who want to enjoy nature and watch the sunset over a lake.”
The dock will also be ideal for the park’s Junior Ranger Angler Program, in which park rangers engage kids in interactive fishing activities and conversations about being good stewards of local waterways.
Part of NPF’s Outdoor Exploration initiative, ParkVentures is a new NPF program that supports activities that help people create and strengthen life-long relationships with national parks, with a focus on communities that have been historically excluded from parks and may not feel a sense of belonging in the outdoors.
This new program supports the National Park Service’s mission by expanding access to the outdoors and connecting people to the benefits of nature.
“The National Park Foundation recognizes that many factors can hinder people from connecting with and being inspired by national parks,” said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Through our new ParkVentures program, the National Park Foundation is investing in leaders and organizations who are removing barriers and bringing people together for joy-filled and meaningful experiences outdoors.”
While ParkVentures is a new National Park Foundation program, the push to advance equity in parks is an enduring cause. ParkVentures now joins numerous efforts across the country to make national parks and public lands more accessible and welcoming to everyone.
The NPF ParkVentures program is made possible by private philanthropy, including support from ParkVentures founding partner Nature Valley and Outdoor Exploration initiative premier partner Subaru of America and supporting partner Sun Outdoors. Additional support is provided by Apple, American Airlines, EVOLVE Plant-Based Protein, and method.
Learn more about NPF’s efforts to help ensure all people see themselves in parks, feel a sense of belonging in them, and experience the wonder and benefits of being outside at www.nationalparks.org/our-work/outdoor-exploration.
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