Happy Trails
By Luke Anderson
|
1/5/2008 - landerson@post-journal.com
The elderly and people with disabilities will find it easier to visit the Jamestown Audubon Center, thanks to a newly renovated trail and overlook made possible by a grant from state Sen. Cathy Young.
The $20,000 grant enabled the Audubon Society to repave the 1,500 foot trail, originally built in 1994. The trail had since fallen into disrepair and was actually more dangerous than the sanctuary's non-handicapped accessible trails.
Grant money was also used to build a new observation tower on the grounds.
Sen. Young was at the Audubon Center on Friday to cut the ribbon, officially opening the new trail and tower.
''We're very fortunate to have so many outdoor opportunities in Chautauqua County. (The Audubon Center) is a jewel that attracts 15,000 visitors every year,'' she said.
''The repairs ... to the handicapped-accessible trail and overlook platform will help people with disabilities and their families better enjoy the Audubon Center and Sanctuary.''
Work on the project began in late June and stretched until the end of August. The trail was professionally paved, but the overlook was completed by a group of volunteer builders.
It was designed by John Whittaker, a volunteer and expert carpenter and completed by a group of volunteers working under project leaders Don Carlson and Hugh Wood.
The overlook was designed to accomodate more people than the previous structure and was built with a roof to protect visitors from the rain, snow and sun.
The paved trail is designed to be level and easy to walk for those with limited mobility. It is also accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Several organizations, including ASPIRE and The Resource Center take advantage of the accessible trail.
''The wheelchair-accessible trails and overlook will allow us to provide a safe and fun environment for all members of our community. We cannot thank Sen. Young enough for her proven commitment to the residents of our community,'' said Ruth Lundin, Audubon Center president.
The trails at the Audubon Center are free and are open daily from dawn to dusk. The nature center building at 1600 Riverside Road — housing a nature store and exhibits on biodiversity — is open Saturday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Admission is free for members and children. Non-member adults pay $5, and Sunday is free admission day.
The elderly and people with disabilities will find it easier to visit the Jamestown Audubon Center, thanks to a newly renovated trail and overlook made possible by a grant from state Sen. Cathy Young.
The $20,000 grant enabled the Audubon Society to repave the 1,500 foot trail, originally built in 1994. The trail had since fallen into disrepair and was actually more dangerous than the sanctuary's non-handicapped accessible trails.
Grant money was also used to build a new observation tower on the grounds.
Sen. Young was at the Audubon Center on Friday to cut the ribbon, officially opening the new trail and tower.
''We're very fortunate to have so many outdoor opportunities in Chautauqua County. (The Audubon Center) is a jewel that attracts 15,000 visitors every year,'' she said.
''The repairs ... to the handicapped-accessible trail and overlook platform will help people with disabilities and their families better enjoy the Audubon Center and Sanctuary.''
Work on the project began in late June and stretched until the end of August. The trail was professionally paved, but the overlook was completed by a group of volunteer builders.
It was designed by John Whittaker, a volunteer and expert carpenter and completed by a group of volunteers working under project leaders Don Carlson and Hugh Wood.
The overlook was designed to accomodate more people than the previous structure and was built with a roof to protect visitors from the rain, snow and sun.
The paved trail is designed to be level and easy to walk for those with limited mobility. It is also accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Several organizations, including ASPIRE and The Resource Center take advantage of the accessible trail.
''The wheelchair-accessible trails and overlook will allow us to provide a safe and fun environment for all members of our community. We cannot thank Sen. Young enough for her proven commitment to the residents of our community,'' said Ruth Lundin, Audubon Center president.
The trails at the Audubon Center are free and are open daily from dawn to dusk. The nature center building at 1600 Riverside Road — housing a nature store and exhibits on biodiversity — is open Saturday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Admission is free for members and children. Non-member adults pay $5, and Sunday is free admission day.
For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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