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Albany,
NY – February 2021 / Newsmaker Alert / The New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announces
that construction has started on a first-of-its kind nature trail at Letchworth
State Park designed for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
and other developmental disabilities. The Autism
Nature Trail is part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s 2021
State of the State agenda to reimagine, rebuild and renew New York
State, including enhancing New York State Parks.
The
Campaign to Build the Autism Nature Trail (ANT), with support from the
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, has raised
$3 million toward a full $3.7 million goal. Fundraising will continue to
establish an endowment for long-term maintenance and programming on the
mile-long trail, which is designed to address the sensory needs of people
with ASD, a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social
skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
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“The
overwhelming response to the fundraising campaign for this important new
destination at Letchworth State Park is impressive and exciting,” State
Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “Designed by experts, the Autism
Nature Trail will be a safe and inclusive space outdoors where all are
welcome to experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of outdoor
recreation. I am tremendously grateful to the many donors and partners
who have joined this effort to overcome some of the barriers to outdoor
recreation.”
The
fundraising campaign was managed by the Natural Heritage Trust on behalf
of State Parks. The trust is a not-for-profit corporation that receives
and administers gifts, grants and contributions to further public programs
for parks, recreation, cultural, land and water conservation and historic
preservation purposes.
“Isolation
due to the coronavirus has taught us that being in nature is our saving
grace, and New York State parks have remained opened throughout the pandemic,”
said Campaign for ANT Co-chair and co-founder Loren Penman. “But for those
who feel uncomfortable, unwelcome or even unsafe in environments where
certain behaviors are not understood and special needs cannot be met, the
ADA-compliant and inclusive Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park
encourages all visitors to experience the benefits of being more fully
engaged with nature and with each other.”
Activities
along the Autism Nature Trail will support and encourage sensory perception,
while also providing enjoyable activities for visitors of all abilities
and ages. The trail loop will feature eight stations offering a range of
experiences from quiet engagement to active exploration and adventure.
Planned
stations include the Sunshine Slope – a gentle sloping maze in a natural
clearing, the Music Circle – a circular grove of pine featuring nature-inspired
instruments, and the Meadow Run & Climb – a dedicated space for running,
jumping, climbing, balancing and testing strength, coordination and confidence.
Specialized elements like cuddle swings, gliders, and “alone zones” are
also planned for the trail, each created with the intent of providing a
more inclusive environment for visitors of many different needs and abilities.
Adjacent to the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park, the trail
and stations will be marked with signage telling visitors what to expect
as they approach each curve of the trail and station – an important addition
creating purposeful consistency and predictability for visitors.
Statistics
show that young people with autism spend disproportionate amounts of time
indoors, often finding comfort in digital activities which results in social
isolation. This disconnectedness not only affects individuals with ASD
but also can affect caregivers and entire families. The ANT is designed
as a series of accessible and safe outdoor spaces in nature, yet far from
the distractions and often overwhelming stimuli of everyday outside life.
The
Campaign to Build the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park is supported
by several organizational partners within New York State, including the
Natural Heritage Trust, Camp Puzzle Peace, Letchworth State Park, Perry
Central School District and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
& Historic Preservation. For more information or to contribute to ongoing
work to fund quality programming at the site, visit: www.AutismNatureTrail.com.
Letchworth
State Park is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern
U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls
between cliffs – as high as 600 feet in some places – surrounded by lush
forests. Hikers can choose from 66 miles of hiking trails. Trails are also
available for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country
skiing.
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New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees
more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and
boat launches, which were visited by a record 77 million people in 2019.
A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors
supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and
more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on
any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit NYS
Parks website, connect with us on Facebook,
or follow on Instagram
and Twitter. The free New
York State Parks Explorer mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices.
To download, visit: Google
Play Store, NY State Parks Explorer App or Apple
Store, NY State Parks Explorer App.
Source
Document
Media:
Albany:
518-474-8418
New
York City: 212-681-4640
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov |
