The Kaizen Foundation has inaugurated the first Accessibility Trail in the Parnitha National Park, expanding access to nature for people with disabilities and limited mobility. The international nonprofit organization, created and exclusively funded by Kaizen Gaming, is the project’s major donor and has also committed to covering the trail’s maintenance costs for the next three years.
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Kaizen Foundation inaugurates the first accessibility trail in Parnitha National Park
The project was carried out by Access to Nature and the Athens Alpine Club (EOS Athens), which coordinated the study, design, and implementation of the plan. The initiative began in 2019 with the goal of allowing more people to enjoy the natural environment of Parnitha, with the Kaizen Foundation contributing as the principal donor. All interventions comply with European accessibility standards to facilitate movement and ensure the greatest possible autonomy and safety for visitors.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the trail’s starting point, near the Bafi mountain refuge, in the presence of representatives from partner organizations and official guests. Among those attending were silver Paralympic medalist and President of the Association of People with Mobility Disabilities and Friends “PERPATO,” Alexandros Taxildaris; President of the Panhellenic Athletic Club of People with Mobility Disabilities and the National Sports Federation for People with Disabilities, Kostas Siachos; CGS Managing Director Christos Geitonas; Deputy Head of the Parnitha Forestry Service, Andriani Serepa; and Panagiotis Pitsiniagas, Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor for the City of Athens.
“Access to nature and its benefits is a universal right”
Panos Konstantopoulos, President of the Kaizen Foundation, stated: “Access to nature and its benefits is a universal right. With this conviction, the Kaizen Foundation supported the creation of the Accessibility Trail, with the ambition that this project will serve as a catalyst for more infrastructure that removes barriers and allows more people to enjoy the mountain on equal terms. In this effort, the collaboration between Access to Nature and EOS Athens was particularly significant, combining specialized knowledge in accessibility with experience in the natural environment. For the Kaizen Foundation, the commitment continues beyond construction, with maintenance coverage for the next three years, so that the project retains its value for visitors.”
Stefanos Sidiropulos, Founding Member of Access to Nature, noted: “Accessibility in nature is not limited to building a suitable route. It requires proper design, safety, the possibility of autonomy, and continuous care of the infrastructure, so that every visitor can use it with as few obstacles as possible. The Accessibility Trail at Parnitha is an important step in this direction and is the result of a collaboration that brought together expertise, social awareness, and meaningful support. The contribution of the Kaizen Foundation was decisive in making this project a reality and ensuring its long-term sustainability.”
With the completion of the Accessibility Trail, a new chapter opens at Parnitha, as more people can now enjoy an organized nature route in an environment that is more open, functional, and inclusive.
Support for this project is part of the Kaizen Foundation’s initiatives focused on social participation, accessibility, and the creation of infrastructure with meaningful and lasting impact.
