DEC Expands Free Accessibility Options for Camp Santanoni and Frontier Town Campground
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced new accessible mobility device options for two popular sites in the Adirondack region. DEC, in partnership with Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), is expanding the existing Great Camp Santanoni Accessibility Program with a new wheelchair-accessible transport service device in Newcomb, Essex County. Frontier Town in North Hudson, Essex County, will now offer free use of both an adult- and a youth-sized electric wheelchair suitable for the paths and paved areas of the campground.
Joe Zalewski, Region 5 Regional Director said, “DEC is pleased to support Governor Hochul’s ‘These Lands Are for Everyone’ initiative with additional mobility device options to improve accessibility at two of the Adirondack region’s historic and beloved sites. A wheelchair-accessible transport service device at historic Great Camp Santanoni expands options for members of the public with a disability to enjoy the trail and buildings with a companion. The adult- and child-sized electric wheelchairs now available at Frontier Town complement the campground’s many accessible features, including trails and campsites, and will allow more patrons to explore this beautiful campground and day use area alongside their friends and family.”
Erin Tobin, Executive Director of AARCH, said “With this additional mobility device accommodation, New York State has created greater accessibility into the historic Great Camp Santanoni. AARCH looks forward to continued partnership with DEC and providing more opportunities for individuals of all abilities to experience the wonder of the main lodge porch overlooking Newcomb Lake."
Learn more about Frontier Town and the two mobility devices.
Since 2024, DEC has offered an electric wheelchair program with free reservations for a user-driven scooter-style power wheelchair at Great Camp Santanoni. Based on public feedback, DEC is now offering a free wheelchair-accessible transport service device PHED Dual RIDEABOUT to expand the accessibility program to people with mobility impairments who are unable to operate the personal mobility devices. For the remainder of the 2026 season, members of the public with a disability can venture to the Camp’s historic buildings using this device at no cost. Qualified individuals can make a reservation for themselves and up to two companions and enjoy the ride to the Great Camp while an AARCH staff member drives and provides interpretive and educational content along the way.
In addition to the new wheelchair-accessible transport service device reservation program at Great Camp Santanoni, DEC is now offering two electric wheelchairs for use by adults and youth with mobility disabilities at Frontier Town Campground and Day Use Area. Frontier Town offers many accessible features, including campsites, an equestrian mounting platform, and amenities. Now, visitors with a disability can use “The Rig” and its youth-sized counterpart, “Kids Rig,” on a first-come, first-serve basis to explore accessible trails, viewing areas, playgrounds, and more.
The program at Great Camp Santanoni began in 2024 after consulting with stakeholders, including members of the disability community and the joint DEC and Adirondack Park Agency’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). AAC and community feedback helped guide DEC’s pilot program which originally featured two electric wheelchairs. After two seasons and feedback from users, DEC determined that one of these two devices, “The Rig,” was better suited for a less-rugged trail and gave it a new home at Frontier Town.
This collaborative decision-making process also informed DEC’s decision to purchase the golf cart in spring 2026. After requesting public comments in 2025 on options to expand access and consulting with AAC, DEC ordered a custom-built wheelchair-compatible electric wheelchair-accessible transport service device in 2026. The device can carry both manual and power wheelchair users together with one or two companions. DEC also contracted with AARCH to accept reservations and drive the device on up to five days a week, including weekends through mid-October.
To locate wheelchair accessible features at education centers, campgrounds and day use areas, waterway access sites, and land areas, explore DEC’s interactive Accessible Recreation Destinations map.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
