By Olivia Minnier

The Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities has helped a local park system expand access to nature through the distribution of ARPA grant funds.

Preservation Parks of Delaware County will formally unveil its braille trail on April 26 at Hogback Ridge Park’s Woodland Ridge Trail. The trail was completed with one-time ARPA grant funds from DCBDD. Using these funds, DCBDD has been able to contribute to projects aimed at creating a more accessible Ohio, such as the braille trail.

Casey Smith, Outdoor Connections Manager for Preservation Parks of Delaware County, said that upon DCBDD’s suggestion of adding a sensory trail, the team saw a news article about tactile maps and braille signage at The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center and saw an opportunity to add something like these to Preservation Parks of Delaware County.

“Research showed there were no braille trails in central Ohio, and since we believe nature should be accessible to all, it was an easy choice. The grant also included funding for an accessible restroom—something Hogback Ridge Park lacked—making this a meaningful improvement to the park.”

DCBDD proposed the idea of a sensory trail and has been happy to see Preservation Parks of Delaware County run with the idea of a braille trail.

Kristine Hodge, Superintendent of the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, is proud of the partnerships DCBDD has within the community.

“By creating spaces like the braille trail, Preservation Parks of Delaware County is not only fostering a deeper appreciation for nature among individuals with disabilities, but also promoting a culture of understanding. Projects like this remind us that when we design with access in mind, we create richer experiences for everyone.”

Smith said the process took over a year from start to finish.

“DCBDD contacted us in November 2023 about applying for the funds. The guide rope and braille signage were installed in November 2024, and the tactile map was added in March 2025. During that time, we conducted research, contacted sign companies, and collaborated across departments.”

The Woodland Ridge Trail at Hogback Ridge was chosen for this project for several reasons that make it appealing from both a safety and an interest standpoint.

“Hogback was chosen as the location of the Braille Trail because it is the most interesting topographically and would make a better 3D tactile map, and the trail could be a closed loop, ensuring the safest route for those using the trail,” Smith said.

The braille trail follows the 0.4-mile Woodland Ridge Trail and features a guide rope, visual signs, and cast bronze braille plates with tactile elements, including a 3D map of Hogback Ridge Park.

Smith said it was important to include a variety of multi-sensory elements into the trail to keep visitors engaged.

“Each sign includes related tactile features and encourages sensory experiences like listening to the creek or feeling a shagbark hickory tree. Designed for visitors with low vision, the trail is accessible and engaging for all,” she said.

Smith said the trail is important because it expands access to nature for everyone, not just those with low vision.

“The elements of the trail can also engage younger children, older adults, and neurodiverse individuals who benefit from multisensory learning,” she said.

The Woodland Ridge Trail additions also include an accessible restroom with a universal changing table.

“In addition to standard grab bars, push button toilet, and sensor hand dryer, the accessible restroom includes a concrete walkway from the parking lot to the restroom, a touchless automatic door opener, a stainless extended length changing table, and a wall mounted child protection seat,” she said.

Smith said this project is the first of several planned for 2025 aimed at making the park more accessible. She said Preservation Parks is working on renovating the indoor nature display at Hogback Ridge Park this year. These renovations will include braille signage and QR code links.

These projects ultimately help Preservation Parks fulfill their mission of inspiring outdoor exploration and learning.

“The Braille Trail brings that mission to life in a powerful way by removing barriers and creating opportunities for all people, regardless of ability, to connect with nature. We hope visitors walk away with a deeper appreciation not just for the natural world, but for the importance of making that world accessible to everyone,” Smith said.