Parks & Recreation Magazine October 2021

Page 40

An All-Inclusive Trail By Julia Garstecki

— Gretel Ehrlich, an American travel writer, poet and essayist

38 Parks & Recreation

I

n 2015, Letchworth State Park in Castile, New York, was voted the Best State Park in the United States by USA Today (tinyurl.com/n63z8khj). Now, it is also known for having the most inclusive trail in the country. The Autism Nature Trail (ANT) is the first of its kind, designed specifically to meet the needs of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This benefits not only those with autism, but also those with other cognitive or physical impairments. And while it was designed thoughtfully for those with special needs, all visitors to the park will marvel at it as well.

| O C TO B E R 2 02 1 | PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N .O R G

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIA GARSTECKI

“Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are.”

The Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park makes nature accessible for all


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.