Advisory committee pushes county trails grant for ADA work at Negri Napodi, considers 3‑D printed tactile maps

The Franklin Township Open Space Advisory Committee voted May 19 to recommend a Somerset County Trails Grant application that would extend an ADA-accessible loop trail at Negri Napodi, rehabilitate the bird-blind ramp and install accessible trail surfacing and amenities for people with mobility or visual impairments.

Staff member described project elements the grant would fund: a fully looped accessible route, an ADA-compliant crushed-stone trail surface, ramp rehabilitation to the bird blind and accommodations for visitors with visual impairments such as tactile 3-D printed maps and auditory tour apps. "We have the software to actually create it," Staff member said, noting township GIS data and the potential to print tactile maps if the committee secures a large-format 3-D printer.

Committee members discussed options to purchase a 3-D printer with grant funds, contract the maps from a vendor, or use Open Space trust funds if the grant did not cover equipment. One member moved that, if the grant does not pay for a printer, the committee authorize up to $2,000 from the Open Space trust fund to buy one; another member seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote; staff will collect cost estimates from DPW and submit the grant application. The committee noted the county review timeline and that awarded grants generally allow 18 months to expend funds.

The committee also discussed low-cost accessibility measures such as walking sticks at kiosks and audio apps that require little capital investment. Staff said tactile maps could be reprinted when the trail changes if the township owns a 3-D printer, reducing recurring vendor costs.

Next steps: staff will prepare the grant proposal, gather cost estimates for 3-D printing (purchase versus vendor production), and present a recommendation to township counsel and the committee.