Rockwood Park event will celebrate a more accessible park experience

The City of Saint John, in partnership with the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee, will be hosting “Access Rockwood,” an accessibility event to celebrate the launch of its two new all-terrain wheelchairs.

On Wednesday, July 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., participants from Saint John’s ability-diverse community will enjoy a day at the beach with kayaking and canoeing excursions, fishing, lawn games, music and a barbecue. The City’s new all-terrain electric wheelchairs, the ePUSH and the eTRIKE will be available to try. ParaNB will also bring equipment to try, including their hippocampe beach wheelchair for the event.

About the event:

Who is invited?

This event welcomes all persons with disabilities, visible and non-visible, and their family, friends, companions or attendants to enjoy a day at the park. Pre-registration is required.

How can I get there?

The Handi-bus is available free of charge for this event. In addition to taking individual reservations for persons with a mobility disability, a scheduled pickup will also be available at the King’s Square bus stop at 10:30 a.m. for participants who require it. Please call (506) 648-0609 to make arrangements.

What should I bring?

Participants may wish to bring their own transfer board. Bring any supports (including attendants and caregivers) that you need to make your park experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable.

Please bring your own fishing gear if you plan to fish as only a very limited supply is available for loan.

Where in Rockwood Park will the activities take place?

The information table, barbecue, accessible picnic tables, Community Block Party Trailer, with games and music, the eTrike and ePush wheelchairs will all be located at the Fisher Lakes Parking lot.

The hippocampe, kayaks and canoes will be available at the Fisher Lakes beach next to the public beach.

Is the beach accessible by wheelchair?

Yes, the small beach adjacent to the public beach will have an ADA-approved accessible beach mat to enable wheelchairs to go down to the water or close to the kayaks and canoes.

Will there be accessible washrooms?

Accessible portable toilets will be available at the parking lot and beach locations. You may also take the Handi-bus to the Lily Lake Pavilion where accessible washrooms are available in the lower level of the building through Inside Out Adventures.

Can I kayak or canoe?

This activity is available to individuals who are able transfer in and out using their own transfer methods and devices. The canoes and kayaks are standard and not specifically adaptive. Staff will be available to provide assistance.  We are unable to provide additional transfer equipment.

Can I use the hippocampe and all-terrain wheelchairs?

These chairs are available to individuals who are able to transfer in and out using their own transfer methods and devices. We are unable to provide transfer equipment.

The Saint John Ability Advisory Committee is pleased to sponsor ASL interpretation services for the event. The Handibus will also be available at no cost for participants to travel to and from the Fisher Lakes Parking Lot. To reserve the Handi-Bus, call (506) 648-0609.

Registration is required to participate in the Access Rockwood activities. For information or to register, visit www.rockwoodpark.ca/access-rockwood.

About the all-terrain wheelchairs

The City’s ePUSH and eTRIKE all-terrain wheelchairs are designed for off-road capabilities to tackle uneven ground, gravel and the outdoor elements. The wheelchairs are intended to provide barrier-free access and allow park users to enjoy outdoor activity with families and friends regardless of abilities.  They will be available to reserve, free of charge, on the City’s website following the event.

The all-terrain wheelchairs were approved by Saint John Common Council in 2022 as part of five new recreation programs developed by the City of Saint John Community Services department.

Here to help – For inquiries related to municipal services, contact the City of Saint John Customer Service Centre at (506) 658-4455, email service@saintjohn.ca or visit us in person on the Ground Floor of City Hall, 15 Market Square, Monday to Thursday (excluding holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.