(Photo by Cody Roux)
Prineville is raising the bar for inclusive recreation with the addition of a new Vertacat adaptive golf cart at Meadow Lakes Golf Course. This is one of the few courses in the Pacific Northwest to offer this specialized equipment for golfers with mobility challenges.
The new cart, also known as a Paramobile, allows users to stand and swing while maintaining full mobility across the course. It is available free of charge to golfers with accessibility needs. Reservations can be made by calling Meadow Lakes Golf Course in advance.
The project was made possible thanks to a regional grant from the Central Oregon Future Fund, a generous donation from the Stand Up and Play Foundation, and a local partnership with the City of Prineville, which houses and maintains the cart at Meadow Lakes.
“This is a proud moment for Prineville,” said Kim Molnar, director of tourism for Explore Prineville and the Prineville-Crook County Chamber of Commerce. “Golf ‘Fore’ All is about more than sport — it’s about removing barriers and making sure everyone can enjoy the beauty and camaraderie that golf brings to locals and visitors alike.”
Zach Lampert, golf director for the City of Prineville, added, “It’s a big win for accessibility, and we’re thrilled to be one of the few courses offering this option. This shows how community partnerships and smart tourism investments can allow us to serve more people who want to enjoy the game of golf.”
The Stand Up and Play Foundation, a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, played a critical role in bringing the Vertacat to Prineville. The foundation is dedicated to helping people with mobility impairments stand up and engage in active recreation using specialized equipment like this.
This new addition not only enhances the golf experience for players of all abilities but also cements Prineville’s leadership in inclusive outdoor adventure — a key focus of the Central Oregon Future Fund, which supports tourism initiatives that benefit both locals and visitors.
