‘Sometimes I Just Wanna Be Outside’
Why accessible parks and beaches matter for everyone
By Deborah Hauss, Senior Staff Writer, Communications
Being in nature can boost your mood but getting there is not easy for everyone. A new study from Kessler Foundation reveals that many people with spinal cord injury say that trying to access greenspace can make them feel excluded, frustrated, and unsafe. But when outdoor spaces are accessible for wheelchair users, they offer independence, fun, and peace of mind—just like they do for everyone else.
“People living with chronic mobility impairments face significant barriers to enjoying what we call ‘greenspaces’,” says lead investigator Lauren Murphy, PhD, research scientist in the Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research at Kessler Foundation. “It isn't just about physical accessibility; it's about making sure outdoor spaces enhance everyone's quality of life and sense of belonging.”
Foundation researchers interviewed 30 adults with chronic spinal cord injuries who live in New Jersey. Most use a wheelchair to get around, and in the qualitative data collection process, shared about visiting parks, lakes, the beach, and other outdoor places.
Three big takeaways
1. Details make all the difference
Features like smooth or paved pathways, beach access mats, and nearby restrooms helped participants with SCI enjoy the outdoors. “Better paths, accessible bathrooms, shaded areas, and adaptive equipment—like beach wheelchairs and mobility-friendly picnic tables—help everyone, not just those with disabilities,” says Dr. Murphy.
But even those features were not always done right, according to the study. For example, some beach mats only went halfway across the sand—leaving wheelchair users stuck far from the water. At some parks, ramps existed, but parked cars blocked them so wheelchair users could not get by. Even well-meaning park or beach employees did not always know how to help or where accessible equipment was stored.
2. Getting outside takes planning
Participants shared how much effort it took to enjoy the outdoors. Some scouted out parks ahead of time. Others arrived early to find shady spots near bathrooms. Some asked friends or even strangers to help them navigate tough spots like hills or mud. A few had special all-terrain wheelchairs to handle dirt paths or sandy beaches—but these can cost thousands of dollars and are rarely covered by health insurance.
3. It is hard feeling left out
When outdoor places were not accessible, participants said they felt left out. One person shared that while their family played in the sand, they had to stay on the boardwalk. Another said they just wanted to sit alone with a book near the water—but could not get close without help. These moments made people feel isolated and less independent.
Small changes make a big difference
Outdoor spaces are not just nice to have—they are important for health and happiness. “When greenspaces are inaccessible, the consequences go beyond missing out on recreation—it deeply affects mental health and social inclusion”, asserts Dr. Murphy.
To make parks and beaches more inclusive, it is important to involve people with lived experience of SCI in the planning process. “We can help remove barriers by designing parks and other outdoor spaces with input from people who live with disabilities. True equity means making sure everyone—including wheelchair users—can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature,” claims Dr. Murphy. These insights can lead to smarter choices like where to place bathrooms, how long a beach mat should be, or which paths need better surfaces.
When people with disabilities help design outdoor spaces, greenspaces become safer, easier to use, and more welcoming for everyone.
