ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A Black Mountain-based nonprofit that helps people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors has earned national recognition for its work with North Carolina State Parks.
Waypoint Adventure has received the 2026 President’s Award from the National Association of State Park Directors for its efforts to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.
The award, one of the association’s highest honors, was presented during the Friends of North Carolina State Parks Conference, held Oct. 23-25 at Haw River State Park.
Adam Combs, director of Waypoint Adventure North Carolina, accepted the award from Brian Strong, director of North Carolina State Parks. The state parks agency confirmed that Combs and Waypoint Adventure Deputy Director Ryan Carlson were both recognized with the honor.
“This recognition reflects the power of partnership,” Combs said. “North Carolina State Parks has demonstrated a genuine commitment to ensuring that more people can experience the benefits of time in nature. We’re honored to receive this award, but even more proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together.”
Waypoint Adventure expanded into North Carolina in 2023 and began offering adaptive recreation programs through a partnership with North Carolina State Parks in 2024.
The partnership has included programs at several state parks, including accessible kayaking at Lake James and Lake Norman and guided hikes at other locations.
The activities are designed to give people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, with adaptive equipment and trained staff available to help meet participants’ needs.
According to Waypoint Adventure, the partnership has offered dozens of programs across the state, serving hundreds of people with disabilities.
The organization also helps train state park employees, works with community groups and identifies barriers that can make outdoor recreation difficult for people with disabilities.
The goal is to make parks more welcoming to everyone, allowing people with and without disabilities to enjoy outdoor activities together.
Combs, who also delivered the keynote address at the conference, spoke about how spending time outdoors can improve physical and mental health, strengthen social connections and enhance quality of life.
He emphasized that accessibility involves more than building accessible trails and facilities. It also takes trained employees, specialized equipment and a commitment to making people of all abilities feel welcome.
“North Carolina’s state parks belong to everyone,” Combs said. “When we create experiences where people of all abilities can participate, we strengthen communities and ensure that the benefits of recreation are available to more people.”
The National Association of State Park Directors represents state park leaders across the country. Its President’s Award recognizes individuals and organizations that make extraordinary contributions to America’s state parks.
Waypoint Adventure is a nonprofit that uses outdoor activities, adaptive equipment and trained staff to help people with disabilities build confidence, independence and connections with others.
More information about Waypoint Adventure and its North Carolina programs is available at nc.waypointadventure.org.