CASTILE, N.Y. — Envision a peaceful place where those with developmental disabilities and on the autism spectrum can go to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
That is what is envisioned for part of Letchworth State Park in the Wyoming County Village of Castile. The Autism Nature Trail would be a one-mile, eight sensory station trail within the park.
The idea to create the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park was first sparked in 2014, and ever since the people behind it have been working to raise the necessary funding to make it a reality.
The recreational trail is something everyone will be able to enjoy, but is thoughtfully designed with those with autism and other developmental disabilities in mind.
After all the designing, planning, and fundraising, it's finally happening.
"The project has been put out to bid by New York State Parks, so construction is imminent," Loren Penman of Letchworth State Park said. "And if the weather is kind to us over the next so many months, we should be fully operational for the 2021 park season."
With the pandemic, Loren says more and more people have discovered just how healing nature can be.
"People have enjoyed being outside, and I think realized that there are some people who aren't comfortable, maybe feel unwelcome, in a state park setting," Penman said. "And this has been an impetus for them to give to us and say everyone deserves to enjoy state parks."
The privately-funded trail will be a mile-long loop with a number of sensory stations along the way. Penman says there's really nothing else like it anywhere, making it a very unique destination, much like Letchworth itself.
So what makes it so special?
"I like to give the example of the Playful Path, one of the later stations," Penman said. "You can walk along the main trail, but on this path there are intersecting segments of different surfaces that you can feel under foot and those may change with the seasons. It could be dried leaves right now or pine trees, small gravel.
"Some people might not notice that change in what it feels like underfoot someone with sensory needs or sensitivities will notice right away. That is a very specific visual and tactile example of how these stations is catering to someone who has those sensory issues."
They've have raised $3 million of their ultimate$ 3.7 million goal. Penman says that dollar amount will ensure the trail is staffed and maintained for its lifetime.
To get there they need help, and Autism Nature Trail is holding a special virtual silent auction. It started Friday and runs until October 29.
It's a really unusual auction. You're not going to find a bunch of gift baskets in this.
You can learn more about what they are calling The ANT Experience by going to the trail's website.
There are several ways to support the project. For more information on The Autism Nature Trail, inclusivity initiatives, naming opportunities, or to donate to the project, click here.
