Scott County is making it easier for people in wheelchairs to get around and enjoy public spaces.
Seven new wheelchair charging stations have been installed at the Scott County Courthouse, Administrative Center, and at the county park pool. Four of the stations are located at ADA accessible campgrounds in Scott County and West Lake Parks.
Christina McDonough, Community Transformation Consultant for the health department, says workers installed them last month.
McDonough says "So we thought this was a great opportunity providing wheelchair charging stations throughout our various locations. To make it more accessible for the visitors that are in battery-powered wheelchairs or scooters."
Every day, an average of 1,000 people visit the Scott County Courthouse and Administrative Center. And according to a census estimate, around 7 percent of people under 65 in Scott County have a disability.
McDonough hopes the free wheelchair charging stations will encourage Scott County residents to take advantage of activities such as swimming, kayaking, golfing, and hiking.
The Iowa Department of Public Health paid for the equipment and installation. The stations also feature usb ports to charge smartphones and other devices.