July 2024/Issue #1
The Search for the Perfect Place.
Property. A simple word that conveys so much. Whether it conveys cost, maintenance, status, location, security, or a litany of other nouns, it is a staple of the American economy. A person can build a home for a family, a store can open to serve the public, a car dealership can sell new cars, or a campground can bring beauty and nature to disabled persons.
That last one is what we are doing at Mobility Mountain. We are actively seeking property, whether through philanthropic means, partnership with federal institutions, outright purchase, or a heartfelt donation, we are looking.
Some of the areas we are looking at have been good, others have been bad. We go to each site and spend considerable time getting to know the area, the weather, the terrain, and the features.
You may ask why we are so particular about the location. Some answers may help paint a picture of why we have these standards. Let’s start with comfort. A campground that serves disabled persons should have a fairly low humidity. Why? If your campground serves disabled persons, let’s say amputees or persons confined to a wheelchair, the humidity can make a difference between a good camping experience and a bad camping experience. There is nothing like an amputee sweating out of their socket while on a trail to turn a good day into a bad one.
Lake access is important to Mobility Mountain. We want to offer disabled persons the opportunity to experience relaxing on a beach and enjoying the water, without the constant racing of powerboats and jet skis. We want to partner with WaterWheels to bring in wheelchairs that can be used on the beach and in the water. That sounds fun, doesn’t it?
These are just a couple of reasons that we are looking at areas with higher elevations and lower humidity. The search is tough, the land is priced unbelievably high, but we have faith that things will work out like they are supposed to. We will work hard to ensure that we are Making Nature Accessible.
The Inception of Mobility Mountain
Jeffrey Pryor
I have enjoyed campgrounds for a long time. It wasn’t until 2021 that it became my main profession and passion. I used to go camping and just focus on my world, and my immediate surroundings. I never gave much thought to the others around me. I suppose most campers are like that.
I have come to realize that I was missing out on something that I should have been paying attention to. As a service-disabled veteran, my eyes are wide open now. I see what should be done and how we have been missing the mark.
I have been a Camp Host at various state and federal parks. I noticed that these parks tout ADA compliance, mainly as part of federal mandates, but fall short of being truly accessible.
In 2022, while working as a camp host in a state-owned campground, I was made aware of this glaringly obvious disservice by a disabled camper. It was a nice summer day, not hot, but relaxing with a slight breeze sifting across the tall pines. You could hear the wind whistle, the air was fresh, the birds were chirping, and the campground was alive with activity.
A small group of people were walking the loop and in the center of them was a young girl with a white cane, a cane designed for blind persons. They seemed to be protecting her as they walked along. I turned the golf cart in their direction and went to check on them, as any good Camp Host would do. When I approached them, I asked if they were doing okay. They nodded in return.
I then asked the young girl if she was having fun. Her reply was, “I am blind. There is nothing for me to do here.” I was speechless…
Read more in next month’s issue.
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