Wheeled Freedom in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Words and photos by George McKenzie Jr, Live Wildly Adventurist
Accessibility Features at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Preserve State Park’s accessible amenities include trams to the beach, elevated boardwalks, free beach wheelchairs, and accessible lodging that includes campsites, bungalows, and cabins. Like all of Florida’s State Park, service animals are welcome in all areas of Topsail Preserve State Park.
Address
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 W. County Highway 30A
Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
Hours
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.
Price
- Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle (limit 2-8 people per vehicle)
- Single Occupant Vehicle: $4
- Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers: $2 each
Wheeled Freedom in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Visiting Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is an incredible experience that showcases the beauty of Florida’s diverse ecosystems. What makes this place even more remarkable is its commitment to accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its natural wonders. During my recent visit, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how the park’s accessibility features make it an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is known for its pristine beaches, towering dunes, and picturesque coastal dune lakes. The park’s diverse landscape offers a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and bird-watching to fishing and picnicking. During my visit, I captured a moment of Robert Griffith exploring the park using innovative off-road wheelchairs designed to traverse challenging terrains like sandy trails and forest paths.
The park’s trails are accessible and equipped with specialized equipment to enhance mobility. One such device is the EcoRover Chair, a robust, all-terrain wheelchair that allows users to effortlessly navigate through sand and rough paths. Seeing these chairs maneuver through the park’s sandy trails was a testament to the park’s dedication to inclusivity.
The terrain often limits accessibility in natural parks. However, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has made significant strides to overcome these barriers by providing the EcoRover Chair. These chairs are a game-changer, providing independence and freedom to those who might otherwise be confined to smoother, more predictable surfaces.
Accessibility is not just about physical access but also about providing a completely natural experience. The park’s accessible pathways lead to serene spots where visitors can deeply connect with their surroundings. Whether it’s feeling the sand’s texture, the tree bark’s roughness, or the lake’s calm water, these moments of connection are invaluable.
The park staff also play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing accessibility features. Their commitment is evident in the well-maintained trails and facilities that accommodate visitors with varying mobility needs.
The park’s inclusive design continues beyond the natural trails. Facilities like restrooms, picnic areas, and observation decks are all built with accessibility in mind. The thoughtful layout and well-planned infrastructure allow all visitors to enjoy a full day at the park without worrying about access issues.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a beautiful destination and a beacon of accessibility. Its commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities can enjoy its natural beauty equally is commendable. The use of all-terrain wheelchairs like the EcoRover Chair, combined with the supportive park infrastructure and staff, makes it one of the most unique parks. Visiting Topsail Hill is a reminder that nature should be accessible to everyone, and with exemplary efforts, it can be.
Thank you to the Florida State Parks Foundation for your support of accessibility and accessible features in the Florida State Parks. To learn more, head to Access For All.
