Meet the Park Accessibility Project Advisory Committee
Gina Lytle, Helena
Appreciating opportunities to experience parks like everyone else is why park accessibility is important. Love finding new ways to access nature. Growing up in Montana, the mountains have always been my source of inspiration and healing.
Kenn Besaw, Evergreen
As a father of a child who uses a wheelchair for all of her mobility needs, finding ways to access the outdoors as a family has been a challenge for the past 20 years. We have gone through numerous adaptive devices, both homemade, and purchased to overcome the obstacles that nature poses. Unfortunately, there have also been obstacles and challenges caused by poor planning and a lack of awareness when it comes to accessing our state parks and public spaces. I look forward to working with others to find ways to eliminate as many of those obstacles as possible so that everyone has the opportunity to experience all that our great state has to offer.
Charles Alvarez, Helena, Ability Montana
I have grown up in Wyoming and spent the last 21 years in Montana and have always gone to the national parks with my family, and after I had children I have taken them camping and hiking. After I got my disabilities I had a hard time getting out into nature, and fell into depression, one of the the things I loved most was being in the mountains and nature, thanks to Ability and and being given aa track chair from the VA I was able to get out more and the parks and fresh air saved me and gave me hope, I can walk again but am an advocate for ADA and want everyone to be able to enjoy what had saved me.
Mike Bassett, Helena, Fort Harrison VA Medical Center
I feel it’s my duty as a Recreational Therapist to be involved in community initiatives that improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Anna Bruning, Missoula, Missoula Adaptive Recreation & Sports (MARS)
Park accessibility is important to me because all of our community members, especially those with disabilities, deserve access to our state parks for recreation & leisure purposes. I love the value that recreation and public lands have added to my life, and I'm passionate about ensuring our neighbors with disabilities also get to experience that.
Mike Cavaness, Livingston
I was an extremely active individual util I became an amputee. After which time I have been continually frustrated regarding the lack of ADA consideration for outdoor recreation access, particularly at FWP fishing access sites.
Sarah Goldsmith, Great Falls
Accessibility is important to me and my family because one of our daughters is disabled. We would love to be able to adventure more together as a family.
Nick Miller, Whitefish
The outdoors have been both a healing space for me and a place where I've experienced some of the greatest joy in my life. I believe strongly that everyone deserves that same experience and equitable access to our parks.
Erin Hoch, Kalispell
My son is in a wheelchair but is very adventurous. Our family has always been outdoorsy and we want him to be able to have the same experiences that we did growing up! I'd live to be a part of the changes needed for everyone to access more places!
Trish Tonn, Sydney, Montana State Parks Board of Directors
Trish's bio is coming soon!
Central Montana Representative
We're seeking more committee members from Central MT!
Eastern Montana Representative
We're seeking more committee members from Eastern MT!
Support the Park Accessibility Project
Join the Committee: Montana has 56 State Parks, and we’re excited to welcome representatives from across the state. We’re seeking individuals from diverse backgrounds interested in adaptive recreation. Whether you belong to the disability community, are involved in adaptive sports, or are passionate about enabling outdoor activities for all abilities, this volunteer opportunity could be perfect for you.
Donate to the Accessibility Fund: Your donation helps us introduce tangible accessibility improvements across Montana's State Parks today!
