Being out together, experiencing nature, and overcoming barriers: On Saturday (August 1st), numerous people with and without disabilities gathered around the Brucher Reservoir for an inclusive hike organized by ELA Deutschland eV in summery weather. The event was accompanied by, among others, Manuel Andrack, hiking expert and patron of ELA Deutschland eV; Friedhelm Julius Beucher, honorary president of the German Disabled Sports Association; Paralympic athlete Jule Roß; and the mayor of Marienheide, Sebastian Heimes. Together with Das Bergische and the Bergisches Land Nature Park, they set an example for greater inclusion and barrier-free nature experiences.
ELA Deutschland e.V. is a self-help organization for people with leukodystrophies, rare diseases of the central nervous system, and their families. Through joint events such as the inclusive hike at the Brucher Reservoir, the association aims to facilitate encounters and raise awareness of the needs of those affected.
The hike started and ended at the accessible water access point at the Brucher Reservoir. From there, the circular route led participants around the reservoir. During a break at the newly built shelter provided by the municipality of Marienheide, participants were also able to view an accessible hot air balloon basket belonging to the BSC Reichshof eV, whose special features were explained by pilot Thomas Lepperhoff. Before the hike, Gabi Wilhelm, Managing Director of Das Bergische, and Jens Eichner, Managing Director of the Bergisches Land Nature Park, welcomed the participants.
“Today’s hike impressively demonstrates that barrier-free nature experiences bring people together. That’s precisely our goal: to make the Bergisches Land region accessible to as many people as possible – regardless of age or physical ability. Events like this show how important barrier-free infrastructure is for genuine inclusion,” said Gabi Wilhelm.
The accessible circular trail and the equally accessible water access at the Brucher Reservoir are part of the ERDF-funded project "All Inclusive – Barrier-Free and Senior-Friendly". The project's aim was to create leisure activities that are accessible to as many people as possible while simultaneously strengthening the region's tourism development.
“With the initiatives created through this project, we wanted to break down barriers and make nature accessible to as many people as possible. The barrier-free circular trail and the water access at the Brucher Reservoir still exemplify this goal. I am very pleased that the initiatives have been so well received and provide the perfect setting for events like this one,” says Jens Eichner. He was the managing director of the project company responsible for implementing the “All Inclusive” project.
In her welcoming remarks, Gabi Wilhelm also invited participants to explore the Bergisches Land region beyond the Brucher Reservoir. She presented further accessible and partially accessible destinations that the Bergisches Land region has grouped and marketed under the brand "Das Bergische barrierefrei" (The Bergisches Land Accessible). These include, among others, the Panarbora Nature Adventure Park in Waldbröl with its accessible treetop walkway, the accessible walking path around Altenberg Cathedral, the LVR Open-Air Museum Lindlar, the Eckenhagen Monkey and Bird Park, and the inclusive archery project ArcheRy in Wermelskirchen.
The organizers thanked ELA Deutschland e.V., Manuel Andrack, Friedhelm Julius Beucher, and all other partners and supporters for the successful outing. Special thanks were also extended to Mayor Sebastian Heimes and Tobias Schmitz, who had previously overseen the "All Inclusive" project as project manager. The event was further supported by the Erzquell Brewery Bielstein and the Haaner Felsenquelle, who provided beverages for the participants.
“I sincerely hope that you have become curious about our region. I cordially invite you to visit us again and discover even more accessible services in the Bergisches Land,” Gabi Wilhelm addressed the participants once more at the end of the event.
Further information on accessible excursion options in the Bergisches Land region can be found at: www.dasbergische.de/aktivitaeten/barrierefrei-erleben
