Disabled Hikers Gathering: HJ Carroll Park, Chimacum

Join Disabled Hikers for a community gathering at the picnic shelter at HJ Carroll Park in Chimacum, WA (just south of Port Townsend). This event is supported by REI Co-op for #OptOutside. Free swag from REI and Disabled Hikers, and a raffle for some great gear! Snacks and beverages will also be available, and you are welcome to bring your own picnic. If the weather is decent, we'll stroll/roll on the accessible trail around the park or check out the native plant garden.

This is a casual gathering, and you can arrive or leave at any time. This event is open to anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability - we define this very broadly. Your family, friends, and caregivers are welcome. Families with children are also welcome - JUMP! playground, a fully accessible and inclusive playground, is located at the park - but all children must be accompanied by an adult. We do not provide child care or supervision.

Face masks are required unless your disability prevents it (see more about our mask policy below). Full details on meeting location will be provided once you register.

Site Description

The shelter has a concrete floor, wheelchair accessible picnic table, and electrical outlets. It is easily reached on a gravel path from the bus stop or parking area.

A flat, firm gravel surface trail loops around the perimeter of the park. Gravel paths also lead to the native plant garden and the restrooms. There is a concrete path between the playground and restrooms.

Amenities

Accessible restroom, picnic tables, water, covered shelter

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. Pets are discouraged to reduce potential conflict and accessibility issues.

Cost

Free.

Masks Required and Scent-free

We practice Covid and illness transmission safety at all of our events. We ask everyone to wear a KN-95 or better mask unless your disability prevents it, or when you need a break. We also ask that you not wear perfume and other scents to protect community members who are scent-reactive. Read more about our mask policy: https://www.disabledhikers.com/mask-policy

Parking

Large paved parking lot with 8 ADA spots. There is an additional gravel parking area. A map will be provided at registration.

Transit

Jefferson Transit Tri-Area Loop 6A/6B stops directly at the park. The event is scheduled to fit with the transit schedule! We will send details after you register.

Interpreters

ASL, Spanish, and other languages interpreters are available; please allow 10 days to coordinate. If you have a preferred interpreter, please include their contact information when you register!

Other Access Needs

Please let us know if you have any severe food allergies.

We strive to uphold an access-centered framework for our events. If you have other access needs or request for accommodation, please let us know at registration and we will work with you to ensure an accessible experience.

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is a disabled-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We are firmly anti-racist and LGBTQ+ affirming. We celebrate Disabled people's experiences, facilitate those experiences with resources and events, and challenge the dominant narrative of who and what kinds of experiences are considered valid in the outdoors. We welcome anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability – we define these terms in the broadest way possible. We also welcome supportive friends and family. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group. All of our events include a moment to honor the land and Indigenous peoples and group introductions. There is never any pressure to share anything.