Wildflowers and area trails make nature open to all
- Herb Broda: Nature Notebook
- August 23, 2018
- 2162
“Let’s go outside” sounds inviting, but for some it can pose frustrating challenges. Although an aging population equals more and more folks with limited mobility, access isn’t just a problem for the elderly. Talk to any parent struggling to corral a toddler while pushing a stroller on a bumpy trail.
The access to level, relatively short trails that wind through interesting natural spaces is a blessing for any community. Even folks who are able to negotiate traditional hiking trails appreciate an occasional quick stroll on an easy surface during the lunch hour or after dinner.
This month I want to provide a list of the parks in our area that have trails specially designed for all ability levels. Thankfully our local park and recreation planners have worked diligently to make nature open to all.
When a trail is considered Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, several criteria need to be met. Factors such as trail width, side-to-side grade, trail grade and acceptable obstacle size are all specified. We are very fortunate we have several trails in our area that carry the ADA designation.
The area’s newest ADA trail is Wooster Memorial Park’s Kenwood Acres, located off of U.S. Route 250 just west of Wooster. The paved trail provides great variety including two boardwalks that overlook the impressive park interior and a bridge over a ravine, also with a beautiful overlook.
The Barnes Preserve on Sylvan Road has a 1-mile ADA trail that crosses woods and open meadow. An observation deck near a small pond adds to the habitat diversity that is visible on this easily navigated trail.
In Wooster, Oak Hill Park, located near Oak Hill and Oldman Roads, provides two trails that are listed as ADA on the city website. Although the Donald and Alice Noble Trail is a paved 1.7-mile trail, it does have several moderately hilly sections along the route.
If you are looking for a very short (eighth mile) trail appropriate for people with wheelchairs or walkers, check out the Gene and Joan Buehler path near the pavilion.
The Kinney Walking Path is located at Burbank Road and Highland Avenue. Although ADA in not in any description, it is a paved trail. The 1.3-mile walking path meanders beside soccer fields, city streets, a small wetland and backyards. You can see nearly all the trail as you walk: a real plus if you have kids scooting ahead of you on trikes or bikes. Portions of the trail might be a bit hilly for assistive devices.
Johnson Woods Nature Preserve on Fox Lake Road near Orrville is an often-overlooked gem. It’s an amazing nature preserve with old-growth forests and awesome spring wildflowers that are accessed by a gentle 1-mile boardwalk. Although it’s not listed as an ADA trail, it certainly is an easy, level walk.
Of course any of our excellent Rails-to-Trails segments provide level walking paths. One of my favorites is the Holmes County Trail, beginning at Hipp Station in Millersburg and heading north. The wide trail has a buggy lane as well as a regular bike lane. A weekend walk on the trail combines Amish culture with beautiful, natural views.
If you know of other ADA-designated trails in Holmes, Tuscarawas or Wayne counties, let me know. I’ll be glad to pass the word on.
Think of family members or friends who enjoy nature but might prefer a smooth, level surface for walking. Extend an invitation and make a visit to one of the locations described above. You just might make someone’s day.
Wildflowers of the Month
Some people call these roadside weeds; others call them wildflowers. I like the dictionary definition of wildflower: a flower growing freely without human intervention. These two certainly qualify.
Joe Pye weed grows 4-7 feet tall and has pink flowers that form a dome on top of the sturdy stems. A cluster of these stunning domes creates a bold statement along a roadside or field.
Ironweed is hard to miss in a pasture or meadow. It’s technically a part of the sunflower family, but its striking purple flowers set it apart. You can’t travel more than a mile or two in the countryside without seeing these 6-10 foot beauties with the deep purple clusters of flowers loosely growing at the end of branches.
Email Herb Broda at 4nature.notebook@gmail.com.