There’s nothing quite like viewing a stunning landscape at sunset or a beautiful vista atop a mountain, or even just the beauty of a nearby park. Being able to walk around a park, hike on a trail, or enjoy the beautiful scenery around you is a luxury in life that some cannot afford, either by lack of access or due to disability.

Recently, Virginia State Parks began implementing a feature to expand equitable access to amazing views for those with color blindness through the installation of specially equipped viewfinders. The devices, which were first installed in 2023, utilize special lenses from EnChroma which are designed to help those with red-green color deficiency (CVD).

Those who are diagnosed with CVD experience only 10% of colors compared to those unaffected who experience over 1 million shades and hues. Now, the lovely colors which grace Virginia State Parks, especially during fall, will be more accessible than ever.

It is great to see parks taking steps to make the scenic more equitable. Those with normal vision often take for granted the wonder of nature’s color. Beyond providing enhanced experiences to those affected by CVD, the advent of these special viewfinders encourages all guests to be even more appreciative of our nation’s natural beauty.

Another example of parks adding more accessibility is occurring in Michigan, where the state’s parks have received $500,000 to help fund projects that give more aid and access to people who use wheelchairs. This includes electric bus transportation on scenic byways, chargers for these electric vehicles, and offroad wheelchair tracks that lead to outdoor recreational services. These projects are the first step in creating more accessible and visitor-friendly places in parks around Michigan.

Mobility impairment can have many different causes such as diseases, body characteristics (i.e. seizures, difficulty moving, poor balance, etc.), or different surgical procedures. Ensuring there are considerations for those who require wheelchairs for mobility helps them to lead more independent lifestyles and promote fuller participation in all areas of life. Parks taking the necessary steps to ensure their most beautiful areas can be experienced by all is a great step forward to a more inclusive society.

Scenic America recognizes and supports the efforts of Virginia and Michigan to allow everyone to enjoy parks and open spaces. We hope the trend of equity and accessibility spreads across our country to create a future in which there are minimal barriers for anyone to visit and enjoy our country’s protected lands and scenic beauty.