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Accessibility In Outdoor Recreation Spaces

Meg Bandarra, Outdoor Accessibility Consultant

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  • What Are Accessible Trails
  • Importance Of Inclusive Nature Spaces
          • The Benefits
          • The Need
  • Considerations & Challenges
  • Improving Access In More Ways

Introduction To Accessible Trails

Clarksburg Four Corners

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What are Accessible Trails

A.K.A All Persons Trails

  • Spaces everyone can use, regardless of age or ability
  • Designed so they can be used with mobility assistance devices
  • Built to meet or exceed Accessible Trail Guidelines

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They Are Different From Bike Trails/Rail Trails

Accessible Nature Trails are typically not paved, usually don’t allow bikes, are located in more natural less-developed settings, local not regionally-connected.

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The Importance Of Inclusive Nature Spaces

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Health & Social Benefits

  • Improve physical and mental health.
  • Combat isolation, promote social interaction, foster well-being.
  • Improve quality of life.

For people with limited mobility these benefits are particularly important because they are at significantly higher risk for preventable illnesses when compared to peers without limited mobility.

  • Strengthen desire to care for the environment.
  • Can foster a life-long love of nature in children.

41-55% of the population can benefit from accessible trails

In the Berkshires:

26% over age 65, 11-25% under age 65 with a disabling condition, 4% under age 5

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Community, Economic & Legal Benefits

  • These spaces can be used for programs
    • School Programs/Outdoor Classroom
    • Public/Senior Center Programs
    • Outdoor Recreation Groups- Adaptive hikes, birding tours.
  • Can become a destination
    • Regional Resource For Folks With Access Needs
    • Local Businesses Can Benefit
  • Comply with access laws
    • ADA/ABA

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Considerations & Challenges

  • The current route is steep and not always well-defined.

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Considerations & Challenges

  • The area is wet and would likely require boardwalks.
    • Higher Cost (construction, permitting)
    • Accessibility- Built Environment, Natural Site Challenges
    • Maintenance

  • Is the trail actually an access route?
    • If so it may need to conform to MAAB regulations

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Other Ways To Increase Access

Trail Information

  • Trail Information
      • Signage
      • Description and Photos Town Website
      • Listing Trail with Regional Agencies
      • List on apps and online/printed guides like AllTrails
  • Considerations & Challenges
      • Information needs to be accurate

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  • Grit Chair: All Terrain Manual Wheelchair
      • Egremont has a lending program for their accessible trails
  • Benefits
      • Access to inaccessible spaces
      • Access on trails for those who don’t have their own mobility device
  • Considerations & Challenges
        • Cost/Maintenance
        • Not a substitute for accessible spaces
        • Lack of Independence/ Won’t work for all user’s needs

Equipment Lending Program

Photo courtesy of GRIT