Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
access to as broad a spectrum of consumers as possible. Bork (1989) even sug-
gested that limiting the spatial range of people with disabilities to ramps,
adapted toilets, paved trails and visitor centers may limit public and indi-
vidual perceptions about the capabilities of this special needs population and
how they decide which activities to undertake.
Hall (1991) rightfully noted that walking trails are becoming more popu-
lar fitness options for seniors. He also suggested that senior-oriented fitness
trails require different amenities than those that cater to a more general
population. For example, toilets spaced more closely together, benches,
flower pots and birdfeeders, distance markers and plenty of shade are impor-
tant to meet some of the physical and social needs of the senior market.
In the design and construction process, obstacles that can endanger or
inhibit use by people with disabilities should always be minimized. Among
these are openings in trail surfaces (e.g. abrupt changes in surface and wide
gaps between planks), protruding objects (e.g. overhead signposts) and tread
obstacles (e.g. raised pavers or planks embedded within level surfaces)
(Malibu Parks, 2006: 10). These design considerations are crucial in delivering
accessible footpath and trail experiences for people with disabilities. Although
not directly design-related, maintaining trails for disability access is also
extremely important and should be mentioned here in this context. In the
autumn, during heavy leaf fall, it is important to keep trails clear of leaf
buildup and overhanging tree branches. Heavy layers of leaves can make
navigating wheelchairs difficult and create slippery conditions (Haynes &
Cope, 1998; Watson, 1982).
For people with visual limitations, a trail can be made more accessible
with a guide rope, although there has been some criticism of this method
because the ropes can cause abrasions on the hands, they can create perceived
artificial situations, they lack subtlety and a rope of the length needed might
invite vandalism (Watson, 1982: 292). For blind or partially sighted visitors,
the nature trail experience can be enhanced by the use of other senses. Braille
or audio devices satiate only a portion of the multisensory outdoor experi-
ence. Young (1998) highlighted the need to involve sounds and smells for the
blind, incorporating the effects of light and shade, wind, moisture, plant
growth, birds chirping, running water and wildflower fragrances. Manage-
ment practices that benefit certain species should be adopted whenever pos-
sible. 'A self-guided trail designed for the sighted visitor which is merely
“translated” into Braille or audio facility can be a very boring and limited
experience for a visually impaired person' (Young, 1998: 50).
The edging mentioned earlier is also beneficial for blind visitors who use
canes. These click rails can be easily identified with a sweeping cane. As well,
surface material can be employed to help the visually impaired, for when the
texture changes, the visitor will know he/she has wandered off the main
trail. Differently textured surfaces at nodes along the trail can also help alert
blind visitors to stop for a recorded message (Watson, 1982).
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