Accessibility at Deep Portage
Equipment
Deep Portage has new accessible recreational equipment for folks who come to visit Deep Portage. This equipment includes a sit ski, specialized canoe, and action track chair.
Sit Ski
The model of sit ski that Deep Portage Learning Center has is a Kiwi (Model 2) sit ski. This style of sit ski has a fixed angle, sling-style (fabric) seat with leg support (adjustable leg rest angle and length). This chair uses a standard ski. Users can be either pulled or pushed. The individual can also propel the sit ski by using a double poling technique.
Adaptive Canoe
We have an adaptive canoe, offering stability for those that may have balance or other mobility needs, through use of a mounted padded seat and outrigger supports. We also have adaptative hand clips for paddles that can be used for those who need extra help holding the paddle, a transfer bench, and a cart for easy water access.
Track Chair
We have an Action Track electric motorized wheelchair. This chair can navigate nearly all Deep Portage trails and allows participation in more of the classes that we offer. The Action Track chairs use a tread system in place of wheels. The chair posses a small headlight, additional attendant controls, backpack hook, water bottle holder, and the optional fishing rod holder. Our model can handle hills up to a 20 degree slope.
Dock on Bass Pond
Deep Portage has an accessible dock that is on Bass Pond. This dock has a ramp allowing everyone to go on the dock during all seasons. This dock also allows easier access on to the adaptive canoe.
Wildlife Observatory
The wildlife observatory is down by Martha Sweatt Reed Preserve between Bass Pond and Big Deep Lake. It is a great place to experience many types of wildlife including waterfowl, warblers, beavers, deer, and more. The observatory is down a paved trail and includes a ramp up to the sitting area which includes benches.
The trails down to the wildlife observatory and the Bass Pond dock are paved.
Funding for these upgrades to our programming was generously provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Click on the button below to learn more about places in Minnesota that have adaptive equipment to rent, borrow, or use during programming.
