New Sensory Trail to open in Doylestown Township

[mrsbuttinski]

By Freda R. Savana, staff writer


A new trail believed to be the first of its kind in the state is set to open at Doylestown Township's Central Park on Thursday, township officials announced.



Called a "sensory trail," the 385-foot boardwalk was created with nature and accessibility in mind and is designed specifically for children and young adults with a wide range of disabilities. Located within the park's Hart's Woods section, the trail is a place where families and children with physical or emotional disabilities can interact with the natural world at nine stations — or pods — as they are called, said Stephanie Mason, the township's manager.



Each pod contains an activity to enhance sensory integration such as touch, sight and smell. The trail is expected to be a valuable experience for many, including those on the autism spectrum. It's believed to be the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, Mason noted.



"Our kids have a lot of sensory issues. They can be overstimulated or understimulated," said Paul Rokuskie in an earlier story when the trail was first discussed. Rokuskie is the parent of an autistic child and a past president of the Bucks County Autism Support Coalition.



Mason said the township's park and recreation board recognized years ago that it wanted to do more for people with disabilities.



"We want this to be a peaceful outdoor place that families with special needs can enjoy," said Mason. One in 20 children in the U.S. have sensory processing disorder, she added.



The sensory trail cost $442,000 and was funded in part through a matching grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development. Doylestown Township contributed $191,000, while Foundations Community Partnership, Doylestown Lions Club and the Village Improvement Association each contributed $30,000.



The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. The trail can be reached via the park's New Britain Road entrance.


www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/local/new-sensory-trail-to-open-in-doylestown-township/article_739c6f46-e14f-5c35-a528-5df22594d925.html

[akafred]

That sounds pretty neat.

The Lions have a "sensory garden for the blind" here. We went just to check it out and it is a garden (flowers) and a few wind chimes. It is a pleasant place, but not what I expected. There really wasn't any sense but sound (chimes) and smell (flowers). You couldn't effectively touch or taste. Of course we weren't blind so we could see. But maybe it is the time of year we went but not a lot of blooming things. We visited in early and late summer. It is very close to the bus stop for one of C's summer camps.

[numbbears]

DS would love that. He loves nature walks. I just have trouble getting him to leave them.

[conradtn]

very cool!