From October 5 to 11, it is the Week of Accessibility. Dutch national parks are also paying more attention to accessible and experiencable nature for as many people as possible. New routes, adapted facilities, and the sharing of knowledge between parks contribute to this.
Pieterpad more accessible for wheelchair users
A good example is the wheelchair-friendly variant of the Pieterpad, which was officially opened this year. The route, over 500 kilometers long, makes the well-known long-distance hiking trail more accessible for people with physical disabilities and users of, for example, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walkers. This is the result of a collaboration between Moving Beyond Limits and several national parks. The route runs through and along three national parks: Drentsche Aa National Park, Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, and De Maasduinen National Park. Eighty-four percent of the original route could be preserved. Alternatives have been sought for obstacles such as stairs, steep slopes, and difficult-to-navigate paths. In total, it involves 82 kilometers of detours.
More accessible routes and facilities
Other national parks are also working on accessibility. For example, in Dwingelderveld National Park, there is a family path of 2.3 kilometers that is easily accessible for wheelchair users. The picnic tables along the route are also accessible. Accessibility is not only about walking paths. Accessibility, information, visitor centers, toilets, and other facilities also determine whether people can enjoy a nature area independently.
National parks learn from each other
To take further steps, De Biesbosch National Park and the National Parks Bureau (NPB) are organizing a meeting on October 26 about making national parks accessible. De Biesbosch National Park serves as a practical example. Employees of national parks and involved partner organizations exchange knowledge and experiences and discuss possible adaptations to entrances and visitor facilities. The Week of Accessibility underscores its importance. Accessible nature means that as many people as possible have the opportunity to visit national parks and experience nature themselves.
The NPB is also exploring with, among others, the Knowledge Center Green and Handicap, the possibilities of an EU project to strengthen facilities and communication.