Content Type: News
New developments!! Burlington County has released a new report on findings of proposed new trail systems to expand its network of accessible trails . The county envisions 50 miles of new recreational trails network through 8 towns.
The 251-page Southern Regional Trails Feasibility Report details potential routes, construction costs and expected benefits for trail development.
The trail would span Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Maple Shade, Evesham, Medford, Tabernacle, Southampton and Shamong.
The full report is available online on the County’s website at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/23227/Southern-Regional-Trails-Feasibility-Report—January-23-2026.
Calling all water lovers in the mobility disability community!!
Join Ocean Positive and Ocean County Parks and Recreation for this first ever event and collaboration in Ocean County showcasing inclusive outdoor aquatic activities and community building.
Supporting inclusive outdoor recreation and empowering those with physical and mobility challenges to explore recreation and sport in our natural waters.
Registration begins March 15th by going to – http://www.bcoceanpositive.org
Rails to Trails Conservancy partnered with the American Hiking Society, American Trails, the League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes and the Safe Routes to School Partnership —representing national, state and local advocacy organizations, local elected officials, and businesses—for a federal letter supporting trails, walking and biking. The letter calls on Congress to include a fortified Transportation Alternatives program. It also asks Congress to maintain broad eligibility for trails, walking and bicycling across transportation programs, as well as existing provisions for safe walking and bicycling, in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.
The coalition is encouraging individuals, public and private organizations to share the final version of this letter with local members of Congress to increase visibility and showcase the nationwide demand for programs and policies that support walking, biking and trail infrastructure. You can find the letter and more information about how to engage Congress here.
Here is a great resource for land managers seeking to complete trail and nature site accessibility improvements. The document provides ADA accessibility tools to determine if the surface is improved to a firm and stable surface. Offering low-cost, sustainable solutions for the improvement of ADA-accessible trails, more people will have access and connectivity will increase in our community.
This study outlines the long-term benefits of using naturally occurring, binders applied topically to unpaved trails and discusses the expected increases in firmness and stability.
Full article – http://National Institute for Transportation and Communities – ADA Accessible Trail Improvement
Hello Nature Accessible for All advocates. I wanted to share with you this article from The Guardian from the end of last year. It covers a story focused on disability accessibility in the outdoors. Last year, Soar Experiences, offered free outings at Mohonk Preserve in New York State The small non-profit tour operator services people with limited mobility.
Learn more about the event and the outcomes in the full article – ‘Everyone said it was impossible’: disabled hikers find freedom through off-road wheelchairs | Disability | The Guardian
Ocean Positive and Pinelands Alliance have teamed together to provide training for your staff and volunteers on safety protocols, emergency response, and respectful interactions with participants who have physical disabilities.
Almost 500,000 NJ residents have a Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder or Movement Challenge, yet there is currently no systematic training available for outdoor recreational and community locations on how to provide services appropriate to the needs of these residents.
The free “Safe & Positive For All” training sessions taught by the team from Ocean Positive are designed for land management leaders, guides, support staff and coordinators for agencies and other providers of outdoor recreation opportunities that may include those with special physical needs or movement challenges.
Elements of the sessions and larger support services may include:
• Training in building disability planning into your safety and emergency procedures
• Support in assessing a trail or scenic location for inclusive programming
• Training in customizing program details to meet the needs of people with mobility challenges, developmental disabilities, or other disability concerns.
• Support in building connections with other providers and potential participants involved in the inclusive outdoor arena
If you have any questions regarding organizing or logistics for offering a workshop, please reach out to Nature Disability Advocate, Sean Kane Holland at sean@pinelandsalliance.org or call 609-859-8860 ext. 117.
