July 26, 2022 – El Paso County Community Services Department unveiled two Terrain Hoppers as part of the El Paso County Trailabilty Program today during a ribbon cutting ceremony held at Bear Creek Nature Center. El Paso County was able to acquire the vehicles with the generous support from The Independence Center.

“Our open spaces are vital to the mental and physical health of those in our region, both with and without disabilities,” said Indy Frazee, CEO of The Independence Center. “We applaud El Paso County for expanding trail access and we are proud to support their efforts with this gift.”

Terrain Hoppers are the ultimate off-road mobility power scooter designed to provide access to adventure, making the inaccessible, accessible. There will be a vehicle available for reservation through the El Paso County Trailability Program at each the Bear Creek Nature Center and the Fountain Creek Nature Center. Reservations can now be made online at https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/trailability/ for either location.

“Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony is an important opportunity to measure our accomplishments and celebrate our successes when it comes to ensuring all residents have fair and equitable access to all El Paso County has to offer,” said Longinos Gonzalez, Jr., District 4 El Paso County Commissioner. “Every citizen should be able to access the beautiful and special natural landscapes here in the Front Range.”

During the Board of County Commissioners Meeting on January 25, 2022, Todd Marts, El Paso County Community Services Executive Director, and Brian Olson, El Paso County Facilities & Strategic Infrastructure Executive Director, presented the Commissioners with a $25,000.00 donation from The Independence Center to help fund the purchase of Terrain Hoppers.

“I want to thank The Independence Center for their funding assistance,” said Brian Olson, El Paso County Facilities & Strategic Infrastructure Executive Director. “El Paso County takes our commitment to ADA very serious. Not because it is the law, but because it is the right thing to do.”

For more information on the Trailability Program or to reserve a vehicle, visit https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/trailability/ or contact El Paso County Community Services at 719.520.6399.