Approaching Big Inclusivity Gaps as a Grassroots Trail Organization

Join SORP for this webinar.

Access to outdoor spaces isn’t always a given. The Inclusive Spaces Audit is a tool to identify both strengths and gaps in welcoming, belonging, and accessibility for trails and recreation spaces. This session explores how the Stowe Trails Partnership (STP) participated in and used the Inclusive Spaces Audit. For STP, inclusivity is a cornerstone for the 40+ miles of multi-use trails they manage in Stowe, Vermont. After participating in a workshop, STP utilized the Inclusive Spaces Audit in their most popular trail network and is working with their town and land access partners to tackle identified areas for improvement. From trail signs to handicap accessible parking spots, learn from this case study of how small changes towards inclusivity, with the right champion, can make big impacts.

Learning Objectives

Understand the Inclusive Spaces Audit and how it can be used to assess welcoming, belonging, and accessibility in trail and recreation settings.
Examine how the Stowe Trails Partnership applied the audit tool to evaluate a high-use trail network and prioritize improvements in collaboration with municipal and land access partners.
Identify practical, incremental actions—such as signage improvements and accessible parking enhancements—that can significantly improve inclusivity when supported by strong leadership and community partnerships.
Presenters:

Kelsie Sibbald, Stowe Trails Partnership
Kenzie Brunner, Stowe Trails Partnership
Angie Braley, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals