NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF)—As spring arrives and the temperatures rise, people in Tennessee are eager to spend more time outdoors. For many, this might mean heading to their favorite state parks, such as Radnor Lake, to enjoy the beauty of nature. However, accessing some of the state’s most beautiful natural spots can often be difficult for individuals with disabilities.
To address this issue, Tennessee State Parks recently hired a new accessibility coordinator, Ryan Jolley, who will work across the state to help improve access to parks for people with disabilities. This new position is part of a broader initiative to make Tennessee’s parks more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
Ryan Jolley, who has always been passionate about the outdoors, is excited about his new role and the changes he will help bring about. “I grew up in the outdoors. I spent lots of time on the Duck River, Caney Fork River, Stones River, any river in middle Tennessee,” Jolley said. His love for nature and personal experience with outdoor activities make him the perfect fit for the job.
Jolley’s work will involve traveling to various state parks and collaborating with park staff to improve accessibility. He believes that ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty is a top priority. “Really it’s equipping all of our state parks staff to embody that accessibility is a part of everyone’s job too,” Jolley explained.
One of Jolley’s main goals is to expand and enhance Tennessee State Parks’ existing accessibility features. For instance, the park system has already begun offering all-terrain wheelchairs at certain locations.
These wheelchairs make it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to navigate trails and experience parts of the park that might have previously been inaccessible. Jolley plans to increase the availability of these wheelchairs and make more trails wheelchair-friendly.
Water activities, such as kayaking, are also a major focus of Jolley’s work. State parks across Tennessee offer beautiful lakes and rivers, and he wants to ensure that everyone has access to these activities. “We’re looking at expanding access to water activities like kayaking and making sure that people with disabilities can enjoy these experiences as well,” Jolley said.
In addition to physical access to the trails and water activities, Jolley is also focused on improving the facilities at Tennessee State Parks. One of the most notable improvements will be the addition of more adult-sized changing tables in park restrooms.
Currently, nine adult-sized changing tables are available across the state, but Jolley is working to expand that number to over a dozen in the next year. This improvement is especially important for families with members with disabilities who may require assistance when using restrooms.
The efforts to make Tennessee State Parks more accessible go beyond just the physical changes. Jolley is working to instill a culture of accessibility throughout the entire park system. He wants all staff members, from park rangers to maintenance workers, to understand the importance of accessibility and ensure that the needs of all visitors are met. “It’s not just about adding a few features here and there,” Jolley said. “It’s about making sure that accessibility is a priority in everything we do at our state parks.”
Jolley’s perspective on accessibility is shaped not only by his work but also by his personal experience. He is legally blind, having been diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a rare form of macular degeneration, at the age of 10. “I have no central vision, and my peripheral vision is 20/400,” Jolley explained. Despite his vision challenges, he has never let that stop him from enjoying the outdoors.
In fact, his limited vision has heightened his appreciation for other aspects of nature. “I hear birds off in the distance… I can hear the sounds of people hiking and sometimes laughing,” Jolley shared. His experience gives him a unique insight into the challenges that people with disabilities face when trying to enjoy outdoor spaces.
Jolley’s work will help create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to connect with nature in the same way he has. His goal is not just to make the parks more accessible, but also to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable and included.
For those with disabilities planning to visit Tennessee State Parks, Jolley advises visitors to check online for the resources available at the park they plan to visit. Many parks already offer features such as all-terrain wheelchairs and accessible trails, and Jolley’s work will only enhance these options in the future. By planning ahead and knowing what’s available, visitors with disabilities can ensure they have the best possible experience at the park.
The improvements that Jolley is working on are part of a broader commitment by Tennessee State Parks to make outdoor spaces accessible to all. Whether it’s through physical changes to the parks, improved facilities, or the training of park staff, Tennessee is making it clear that the outdoors is for everyone, regardless of ability.
Jolley’s position is just the beginning of a larger effort to ensure that Tennessee State Parks are accessible and welcoming for all visitors. The state’s commitment to improving accessibility in the parks reflects a growing recognition of the importance of inclusion and the need for outdoor spaces to serve everyone.
With Jolley’s leadership and Tennessee State Parks’ continued dedication, the state is on the path to creating a more inclusive outdoor experience. As Jolley himself said, “It’s all about making sure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the outdoors in their own way.”
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