Industry News
The National Ability Center (NAC), a trailblazing nonprofit organization that provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families with disabilities, recently announced the highly anticipated opening of its state-of-the-art accessible facility, the McGrath Mountain Center at Park City Mountain in Utah.
The fun community celebration will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. MT. Laurie McGrath, president and CEO at McGrath Development, will be honored for her donation to the center and unwavering support of the National Ability Center mission.
“This is a dream come true. The McGrath Mountain Center will empower us to provide even more life-changing experiences for our participants. It represents our esteemed partners and donors coming together to create an inclusive community for the #AdaptiveNation.”
– Tracy Meier, chief program and education officer at the NAC
The McGrath Mountain Center stands as a monumental milestone in the National Ability Center’s nearly 40-year legacy, thanks to a historic land lease donated by Vail Resorts. Co-founder Meeche White, who continues to advocate for inclusive recreation, has witnessed the organization’s growth from its humble beginnings in a double-wide trailer to the new two-story, 9,400-square-foot facility. Traditionally recognized for its ski and snowboard lessons, the National Ability Center’s new facility elevates its programs and ability to serve participants through year-round seasonal activities and events.
“Having a new mountain center completes my original vision for the evolution of our facilities. After seven years of planning, I am thrilled to celebrate this joyous occasion with the community. We are thankful for our incredible partnerships with Vail Resorts, Park City Mountain, Big-D Signature, Architectural Nexus, and the town of Park City that allowed us to bring this project to the finish line.”
– Meeche White
The ADA-accessible facility will provide a homebase for the organization’s adaptive ski and snowboard programs and will provide:
- The ability to serve participants and the community with year-round programs and events.
- Adequate indoor space to properly fit participants in a variety of adaptive equipment, including mono and bi-skis. Once fitted, participants will slide on an artificial surface directly to the snow!
- Ample storage space for specialized adaptive ski equipment.
- Locker rooms for instructors as well as separate locker rooms for adaptive competitive athletes.
- Reception area, staff break room, offices, uniform storage room with laundry facilities, specialized sensory room for calming, and multi-purpose rooms for training and education.
- Restroom facilities on-site for National Ability Center participants and their families: a major upgrade from the current reliance on public restrooms, which were a short walk from the existing center.
“Our longstanding partnership with the National Ability Center is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to creating a place for people of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of skiing and snowboarding. We are honored to support this incredible step forward for their world-class adaptive programs. The mountains are for everyone, and the McGrath Mountain Center at Park City Mountain will be a cornerstone of that vision for many decades to come.”
– Deirdra Walsh, vice president and chief operating officer, Park City Mountain
To learn more about the project, visit discovernac.org/ican. For questions regarding the McGrath Mountain Center, call Carey Cusimano at 435-649-3991. To learn more about the National Ability Center’s programs and services, visit discovernac.org.
