Park Explorer opens outdoors to people with disabilities

An Alberta invention is helping people with disabilities explore the outdoors.

The "Park Explorer" is a combination wheelchair and bicycle that allows people with limited mobility to manoeuvre on rough terrain.

Anna Garcia, the director of operations for Easter Seals Camp Horizon, says the Park Explorer will help provide outdoor recreation opportunities for people with physical disabilities.

Duncan Pawson, a member of the team of students and mechanical engineers who designed the Park Explorer, says there are two models, including one that can be pushed like a wheelchair.

"And then there's one that allows for a hand crank so that someone with upper body function can power themselves and they can essentially go on mountain bike trails similar to those that someone with a regular bicycle could use," Pawson said.

Lindsay Firlotte was one of the first people with disabilities to use the Park Explorer. Her mother Linda called it a profound experience for her daughter.

"She looked at me and she said 'Mom, that was the best day of my life."