2005/2006 - SANParks

2005South African National ParksSPECIAL PROJECTSPARK ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIESIn recent times, Universal Access has become the appropriate termapplied to facilities that are accessible to everyone. In particular theyenable people with mobility diffi culties to utilise the facilities.SANParks added universally accessible accommodation in the GoldenGate (Mountain Retreat), Richtersveld (Tatasberg and Ganakouriep) andWest Coast (Duinepos) national parks. At Twee Rivieren in Kgalagadi,universally accessible ablutions were added to the camping site.Augrabies National Park renovated its two accessible units to a moreacceptable standard.In September SANParks staff member Chris Patton was awarded theprestigious Rob and Julie Filmer Award for contribution to access forpeople with disabilities into the natural environment. SANParks as anorganisation won this award in 2003. Mr Chris Patton, who is himself a T6paraplegic, has worked in the SANParks’ tourism division for 8 years.During this time he has done much to enhance the parks’ facilities,activities, access information and booking systems available to visitorswith disabilities and has been involved in several special camps in theparks for groups of children with disabilities.The SANParks’ connection with Eco-Access was further strengthenedby three twinning camps held in KNP during 2005. Such camps twinable bodied and disabled children in a unique bonding experience thatis inspirational for all involved.HONORARY RANGERSThe Honorary Rangers Corps are SANParks formalised volunteer forceand they operate in 24 regions nationwide. Their members are privateindividuals who give of their time, knowledge, energy and fundraising insupport of SANParks.They are not the only private individuals or groups who contribute toSANParks, but with over four decades of existence they are an effectiveand committed body and a vital support structure to the parks.At the end of 2005, the Honorary Rangers had over R2 million worth offunds in their collective bank accounts, with approximately R1.7 millioncommitted to defi ned SANParks’ projects.During the year more funds were spent on projects in SANParks.Additionally, the collective value of their self-funded travel and park dutiesequated to R4 million.Although they operate in geographic regions, the HRs have severaluniversal national projects that focus on supporting certain areas of40