BUFFALO, N.Y. — Next year, work will begin on upgrades at Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo, making it more accessible to people of all abilities. That includes an ADA-compliant trail, ramps, a widened boardwalk and a viewing platform – all of which can handle anything from a scooter to a wheelchair.
This project is part of a trend to open parks, trails and other outdoor spaces to people who have conditions that might otherwise prevent them from enjoying what nature has to offer.
Hiking is a relatively new hobby for Steven Bianchi.
“It’s just a total detoxification from stress,” he said. “You’re walking down a path that has nothing but trees on both sides of it and bushes and birds. It’s wonderful.”
Bianchi completed the Western New York Hiking Challenge last year and is taking part again this year. In addition to a walking stick, he also utilizes braces that allow him to walk.
“These are called AFOs and I’ve got Spider-Man on the back of this one,” he said. Superman adorns the other.
Bianchi has a rare genetic disorder called CMT, which affects the nerves in his hands and feet. Basically, his muscles are good to go but the nerves don’t receive the input. It’s a factor in which trails he decides to hike.
“I can do the easy ones,” he said. “The moderate ones I have to do some thinking about.”
In some places, he’s noticed an effort to help. For example, the Lockport Nature Trails offer a nice waterfall view if you ascend up a small cliff, but there’s also a second path in place with a gentler slope. Other parks have installed rope railings to help people maneuver steeper sections. Even Zoar Valley has an accessible viewing platform that allows anyone to take in the amazing view of the gorge.
“It’s obvious someone’s thinking about how they’re being designed,” said Bianchi.
The Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve in Cheektowaga offers a free mobility scooter to anyone who visits.
“All you have to do is stop by at the front desk and sign it out between our opening hours,” said Reinstein Volunteer Coordinator Marcus Rosten.
Rosten says Reinstein’s new overlook at Heron Pond was designed specifically so anyone could get right up to the water.
“Thankfully it is a trend that we’re seeing throughout the environmental community,” said Rosten. “We want to make sure that these outdoor spaces are available for all people because we have all types of people living in our communities and if we are not available for everyone then we are not doing our job as a nature preserve.”
There’s still more that can be done, from more railings to additional scooters, while also respecting the natural beauty of these settings.
“Maybe the parks should get together and arrive at a common vocabulary,” suggested Bianchi. “Like if you have to, if there’s a creek you have to cross over.”
But if you’ve always felt hesitant about your ability to hit the trails, Bianchi says you really should give it a try.
“It’s like a paradise,” he said. “It rests your soul and then it helps your body. So it makes a lot of sense to start visiting these places.”
If it’s something that interests you but you’re still not sure about your ability, there’s a new challenge that might serve as a gateway.
The Urban Treks Challenge features 12 parks in the city of Buffalo. Walked planned routes through 10 of them, submit selfies from designated landmarks, and you’ll get a patch and sticker designed by a local artist.
The Black Rock Riverside Alliance approached the creator of the Western New York Hiking Challenge, Mike Radomski, about starting a challenge to promote Buffalo parks and neighborhoods while getting people outside.
“You probably work or live very close to all of these places,” said Radomski. “They’re much shorter. Doesn’t require any specialized equipment. No trekking poles, hiking boots. And the great part of it is most of them are paved or gravel so they’re accessible and also great for families and strollers.”
If you enjoy it Radomski says it could serve as a gateway to the larger hiking challenge.
You can find information on the Urban Treks Challenge by clicking here.