What started as a casual conversation among a few women is now a reality – a reality that is meant to provide a calm space for autistic individuals.
The Autism Nature Trail or “ANT” is a mile long trail situated within Letchwood State Park in Castile, NY. The trail is the brainchild of Loren Lamy Penman, Susan Hernstein, and Gail Servanti who thought of creating a dedicated space for individuals, especially children on the spectrum after noticing several of them enamored by the quiet and peace provided by Letchwood. Further research confirmed that moving water, deep nature, and pine trees might be having a positive effect on people, so the trio set out to figure out how to formally create this space for children.
What does the trail have?
The trail has several stations that engage each individual’s senses (auditory, visual, tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive) including a sensory station where a variety of items found in the park can be touched and smelled, Sunshine Slope with cuddle swings and alone zones, Music Circle with nature inspired instruments, Celebration Station with two chalkboards and several others.
Go to the Autism Nature Trail website for an interactive version of this map.
Even though this trail is meant for children on the spectrum, everyone is welcome here. The trail has had more than 4,000 visitors since its opening in October 2021 and many have been adults, senior citizen couples being the most common user.
The simple yet thoughtful design of the trail is meant to be replicated and several parks in the US and Canada are planning to do just that.
What do you think of this park? Would you want to replicate this too in your community?
Watch the videos below to learn more about ANT.
Source: Lonely Planet
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