Accessibility

MetroParks of Butler County recognizes that most park users will experience barriers to access at some point in their lives, whether due to chronic disability, temporary injury, or advancing age. We strive to minimize these barriers to improve access for all park users.

MetroParks of Butler County will make all practicable efforts to ensure that facilities, programs, and information are accessible to all persons while respecting their individual needs, dignity, and independence.

If you encounter challenges in access or inclusion at any MetroParks facility or program, please contact us. We would like to meet with you to discuss your experience and seek solutions.

Accessibility also includes ongoing evaluation to ensure that facilities and programs remain useful and enjoyable for everyone. MetroParks periodically hosts Community Conservations around the topics of accessibility, inclusion, and outdoor recreation. If you would like to contribute your experiences and insight to assist in Awakening the Explorer in Everyone, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator, Scott Wingate. He can be reached by e-mail at swingate@yourmetroparks.net, by phone at (513) 867-5835, or by postal mail at MetroParks of Butler County, 2051 Timberman Road, Hamilton, Ohio, 45013. 

NEW! GRIT All-Terrain Wheelchairs

MetroParks of Butler County is proud to announce that two new GRIT wheelchairs are now available for public use. GRIT chairs are all-terrain wheelchairs that allow people with mobility limitations access to unpaved trails and natural terrain that would be difficult or impossible to navigate in a traditional wheelchair. This initiative was made possible through a generous grant from Community Fund Ohio.

One adult-sized chair and one child-sized chair are available for public use. 

The pick-up and drop-off location for both chairs is the Voice of America MetroPark Welcome Center.

How to Reserve a GRIT Chair:

• Reservations can be made here or by phone at (513) 867-5835. 
• GRIT chairs can be reserved for weekdays or weekends. Weekend reservations include both Saturday and Sunday.
• Users are welcome to take the GRIT chairs to any park; they do not need to stay at Voice of America MetroPark or in the MetroParks system.  
• A refundable $75 deposit is required at the time of reservation.
• Deposits are returned 5-7 days after the reservation. 

Thanks to Community Fund Ohio, an additional GRIT chair will be available for schools and the public to use during field trips and private programs. Information about that reservation process will be released at a later date. 

Watch GRIT Chairs in action here.

Is a GRIT Chair right for you? Find out more here.

Accessibility Accommodations 

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), MetroParks of Butler County will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. 

If a park user finds that MetroParks facilities, programs, information, or communications do not meet their needs, they may request reasonable accommodations under ADA guidelines. 

MetroParks will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy. The ADA does not require MetroParks to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. 

Access Improvement Solutions Procedure

MetroParks of Butler County has adopted a procedure providing for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations regarding service and facility access for people with disabilities. Formal complaints must be submitted, in writing if possible, containing enough facts to investigate and no later than sixty (60) calendar days after the alleged violation.

Service Animals and Personal Assistance 

Service animals trained to perform a specific task or tasks for a person with disabilities are welcome at all MetroParks facilities and outdoor spaces. Please refer to MetroParks’ Rules and Regulations regarding other domestic animals.

We encourage individuals to bring any necessary personal assistance devices or support persons to ensure their enjoyment of our parks, programs, and facilities. Please refer to MetroParks’ adopted policy governing the use of Other Power Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) for additional guidance.