Open Space expands accessibility programs, adaptive gear and trail ‘nutrition’ guides

Education and infrastructure staff described programs and infrastructure designed to expand access to Open Space for people with disabilities and older visitors.

Topher Downham (education and outreach) summarized experiential programs: roll‑and‑stroll hikes for families and adaptive mountain‑bike outings using battery‑assist and terrain‑hopper chairs, which staff loan to the public and to partner organizations. Staff said adaptive programming increased substantially during the COVID era and continues to serve users with mobility limitations and older visitors.

Staff showed an updated Trail Accessibility Guide (hard copies offered to trustees) and short trail videos that permit would‑be visitors to view trail conditions and features before going out. Staff said those guides are updated on a roughly five‑year cycle as part of the trail‑condition monitoring process and that they will explore more frequent, real‑time updates through partnerships with a regional “usable trails” roundtable. Infrastructure staff said the department manages roughly 30 miles (about one‑fifth) of trails designed or maintained with accessibility considerations, and that standards vary by trail class (outdoor‑recreation access routes, wheelchair‑accessible trails, and adaptive‑MTB routes).

Infrastructure staff said the department is prioritizing accessible parking surfacing, accessible fishing platforms and other trailhead amenities as part of capital projects, and that many accessible improvements are included in existing project budgets (for example, at Sawhill Ponds). Trustees encouraged staff to consider a hands‑on accessible hike for trustees as part of a retreat or field trip.