Mitchell College was recently awarded a $396,960 grant for Mitchell Woods: Accessibility in Action by the Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The project will expand accessibility of Mitchell Woods to a broad range of users, including college students, seniors, preschool and school-age children, hearing- and sight-impaired individuals, and the greater community. Improvements will include universally accessible trails, multiple respite areas with benches, interpretive signage, and wayfinding improvements for people with visual and sensory impairments. When complete, Mitchell Woods will offer one mile of fully accessible recreational trails in the heart of New London. The project is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete.
Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, president of Mitchell College, said, “Since initial improvements were made to Mitchell Woods almost 10 years ago, we have received many requests to increase accessibility even more. We are excited to create the best experience possible for all trail users, including visitors from the New London area and greater Southeastern Connecticut community.”
Several community organizations, including the New London Senior Center, the LEARN Regional Educational Service Center, and the South East CT Community Center of the Blind, participated in a needs assessment for the project, helping to ensure that Mitchell Woods will be universally accessible. The USDA Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails will also be utilized in the trail design.
Mitchell Woods is a 26-acre public park that includes wooded trails and a pond, in addition to a basketball court, two Little League fields, and the Children’s Learning Center at Mitchell College. The project includes the completion of a concrete promenade, addition of stone dust to natural surface trails, stone curbing on the trail-side edge of the pond, boardwalk railings, signage, and wayfinding elements using auditory, tactile, and textural cues to enrich experiences for all.
