Keystone Ancient Forest Offers All-Terrain Wheelchairs For Public Use

People with physical limitations now have a new way to experience nature in Green Country. Phillips 66 paid for two, all-terrain motorized wheelchairs for use at the Keystone Ancient Forest in Sand Springs.

Sand Springs leaders believe they are offering the only publicly available chairs like it in the state, for use in parks and trails.

Tuesday, March 8 was Sean Lewis' first time at the Keystone Ancient Forest. He had never been before because there was no way for him to enjoy the trails.

"I would never be able to take a regular wheelchair out on the trail. It just wouldn't be possible,” Lewis, who lives in Tulsa, said.

The 39-year-old has Cerebral Palsy. This is his outlook on life: "I believe our challenges don't define who we are. It's just something we deal with,” he said.

The all-terrain wheelchair allows him to cruise through the trails.

On Tuesday, during the city’s announcement about the chairs, Lewis had help from the Sand Springs Parks and Recreation Director. Once the chair is adapted so he can control it with his left hand, Lewis will be back and able to enjoy the forest at his own pace.

"One of my favorite things to say is, 'I believe we can do anything we want to do. We just have to find a different way to do it,'" said Lewis.

The Keystone Ancient Forest has two “Action Trackchairs.” City leaders said they would like to see the program grow.

People wanting to use the Trackchairs need to make a reservation online before coming to the forest.

Phillips 66 gave the city about $25,000 for the two chairs, which are certain to make an impact on people's lives.

"Not all the trails will be accessible with the chair. Some are very difficult. But about 75 percent of the trails will be accessible and we'll have volunteers that help go out with them,” Keystone Ancient Forest Park Operations Manager, Joe Medlin said.

While taking in his first ride, Lewis wasn’t just thinking of his experience. He said the idea of others experiencing the outdoors and being "free in a way they never thought would be possible," excites him. He said he can't wait to hear other people's feedback.

"It'll encourage them to dream bigger dreams in their own life, I hope,” Lewis said.

What better place to dream big, than with a view.