First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach has introduced a new all-terrain wheelchair aimed at giving visitors with mobility impairments greater access to the park’s trails and shoreline areas. Park officials said the chair is available at no charge to both children and adults, but users must reserve it at least 48 hours in advance through the Virginia State Parks reservation system.
What’s different about this chair
Unlike some other adaptive chairs used at state parks that rely on track systems, the model deployed at First Landing uses pneumatic rubber wheels and controls designed to be intuitive for users. That configuration is intended to make it easier to navigate the park’s sandy, root-strewn and uneven surfaces.
Where it can go
The park provided a map indicating which trails are fully or partially accessible with the new chair. While not every path in the 2,876-acre park is suitable for the wheelchair, the map highlights key routes and shoreline areas where users can expect improved mobility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free for children and adults |
| Reservation | 48 hours advance notice required via Virginia State Parks |
| Mobility system | Pneumatic rubber wheels with user-friendly controls |
How to plan a visit
Anyone interested in using the chair should reserve it through the Virginia State Parks website. Park staff recommend calling ahead if you have questions about which trails are suitable for the chair or whether an accompanying person is needed to help with terrain transitions. The chair is intended for both short shoreline visits and longer trail excursions, within the limits shown on the park’s accessibility map.
- Who can use it: Children and adults with mobility impairments
- Cost: Free
- Reservation window: At least 48 hours in advance
First Landing is the latest Virginia State Park to expand its fleet of adaptive equipment as part of broader efforts to make outdoor recreation more inclusive. For many families and individuals in Virginia Beach, the addition removes a practical barrier to enjoying the park’s marshes, dunes and maritime forests.
Park staff have posted a trail access map and additional details on the state parks’ online resources to help guests plan outings. Visitors should consult that material before arrival so they can pick routes suited to the chair’s capabilities.
As state parks across Virginia continue adding accessible options, the move at First Landing reflects growing attention to ensuring public lands serve a wider array of residents and visitors. The new chair gives people who previously could only view the park from paved overlooks a better chance to experience its natural landscapes up close.
