Given beautiful weather, my husband and I often head to Peoria’s New River Trail for some scenic urban spinning. This popular trail system has it all, including easy accessibility for mobility devices.
Getting there
Handicap parking and ADA restrooms are readily available at Rio Vista Community Park (8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria). This park is the approximate midpoint of the 16.5-mile New River Trail (and connection off shoot to other shorter trails). Parking can be found at other trailheads, including a new trailhead at Fletcher Heights, west of 75th Ave and Deer Valley Road. But for convenience and trail options, parking at Rio Vista Community Park works perfectly for us.
Let’s roll
From the park’s parking lot, you’ll readily see the large red connector bridge that leads directly onto a contiguous asphalt trail path. Go over that bridge. Turn left off the bridge to go south towards Glendale and the Westgate Entertainment District; turn right off the bridge to head north through Peoria. Both ends of the New River Trail have their charms (more details below). Map
Southbound
This side of the trail is easy to follow (all the way to Glendale,) but a tad difficult to describe because it has several connector pathways that enable users to cross the basin floor, and loop back to Rio Vista Community Park. Generally though, the trail travels south alongside the usually dry riverbed, meandering under overpasses and curving past home developments. Be on the sharp lookout for cranes, rabbits and hummingbirds. The Glendale end of the trail is the newest extension, paved in concrete and landscaped. It has taken us several visits to explore the trail, and there’s still more to go.Northbound
Park benches, mile markers, and maps dot the trail.
Making Accessibility Happen
Accessible travel for people with disabilities is becoming big business. Speak with your dollars, your vote, and your voice to let commerce know what’s working, and what’s not.
The above post was emailed to: City of Peoria Parks and Recreation.