Wheelchair Access On
Arboretum Trails
LOANER
WHEELCHAIR
New for 2010 -- Boyce Thompson Arboretum now has one loaner wheelchair which
our visitors may reserve for use -- or which can be used without prior arrangements
if you visit on a day that our wheelchair has not already been previously
reserved. Ask in the Visitor Center, or call our staff at 520-689-2723 if
you'd like to reserve wheelchair use for a specific date and time. Call 520-689-2723
TRAIL ACCESSIBILITY
About half of our trail
network is suitable for wheelchairs; most of the trails are packed earth,
and a chair with wider and softer tires is typically better than narrow and
skinny tires. Stop by our Visiter Center when you arrive and ask staff or
volunteers for an orientation to the trail map, and for their suggestions
for the best places to explore by chair.
DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
One of the most pleasant and accessible collections is our Demonstration
Garden, located directly below the visitor center -- and visitors may park
extra close to this garden if you request to park at the picnic area when
you arrive here for your visit. We have two main parking lots - the large
one at our main entrance out front of the visitor center, and the picnic area
lot which is below that. Picnic area parking is gated and restricted, ask
for a token that allows you to drive through the gate to that parking lot.
Just request one when you pay your admission at the visitor center. The demonstration
garden is a beautiful collection, with many species in bloom, colorful songbirds
to see and listen to, peaceful bubbling water fountains, and shady arbors
that are a great place to sit and read or just enjoy the day. Benches and
seating areas are throughout this garden.
LETTER TO WHEELCHAIR USERS
One of the Arboretum's frequent visitors who explores the arboretum
via wheelchair wrote the letter below describing his perspective on the arboretum's
accessibility. Visit us soon; bring binoculars if you have a set, the demonstration
garden is a great place to watch birds. We have loaner binoculars in the visitor
center gift shop, too.
Hello: My name is Alan Hart and I live in Queen Valley with my wife,
Debbie. We are located close to Superior, AZ, a few miles from the Boyce Thompson
Arboretum. This information is for some of you who are required to use a wheelchair
for mobility, as I am, and are considering a trip to the arboretum. I have
been to the arboretum many times with Debbie. She is my helper and pushes
me along the trails in the garden.
I enjoy spending part of each trip to the arboretum in the Gift Shop
looking at their great selection of books. Some of my most treasured book
finds have come from there.
Much of the state park is very accessible to wheelchairs users but
part of the trails are more enoyable with a helper to push. The trails are
good but are gravelly and the small stones provide a rough ride and difficulties
with a regular wheelchair. One with inflatable tires would be an advantage.
Of particular interest to me is the Demonstration Garden. It is located directly
below the Visitor Center next to the picnic area. When you enter the arboretum,
or at the Gift Shop, you may obtain a token for the automatic gate which allows
you to drive down to a parking site by the picnic area. There are then trails
to the Demonstration Garden or connecting trails to the main trail. Restrooms
are located close by in the Smith Building. Part of the upper main trail is
not recommended for wheelchairs.
The Demonstration Garden contains a fascinating selection of low-water
use plants. There are chairs or benches under the several shade ramadas for
reading, relaxing and reflecting. It includes a wonderful Mini-Oasis with
bubbling running water containing water plants and several fish. The sound
of the water in such a setting is absolutely serene. The Demonstration Garden
trails are easily navigated without the assistance of a helper.
A day-trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is one of my most anticipated excursions.
It is a trip that I would highly recommend to all wheelchair users, and also
to those less fortunate who have to walk!!
Sincerely,
Alan M. Hart
amdjhart@qvtelecom.net
Queen Valley, AZ
520-463-2751