April 4, 2019 UPDATE:
So far we have raised $995 on our GoFundMe towards the trail!
We also have set the date for our Trail Opening for May 3, 2019! We hope to see you there!
Here at North County Land Trust (NCLT), we believe when it comes to having limited mobility, it’s the abilities that count. This is why NCLT is working to do everything we can to open up our natural spaces to those who may have mobility challenges. At our Underwood Conservation Area in Hubbardston, MA, NCLT is partnering with North Quabbin Trails Association (NQTA) to introduce a “Mobility Friendly” trail. While this trail will not be ADA compliant, it is designed to accommodate rugged wheelchairs (such as the GRIT Freedom Chair), those with braces/canes, families with small children, seniors and anyone else who needs wider, level trails, with frequent resting stops. The trail aims to enhance access to this serene wooded property, while maintaining a natural feel with a lightly natural surface. Our Mobility Friendly trail will follow fairly level terrain and will be improved enough to create a safe walking path. Three benches will sit along this 1/3 mile trail.
Our partner in this project, NQTA, is a veteran-led regional trail association, who, as one part of its mission, seeks to expand trail access for wounded veterans. NQTA has been working with GRIT Freedom Chair: a Massachusetts-based company who designs specialized, non-motorized wheelchairs for outdoor adventures.
The GRIT Freedom Chair, originally designed for people with disabilities in globally remote locations, allows people of varying mobility issues to go beyond the pavement, often under their own power. For many, including wounded veterans, this can be life transforming. Our Mobility Friendly trail at Underwood Conservation Area will be compatible with this type of chair which is now available as a benefit through the Veterans Administration for qualified veterans. You can learn more about the GRIT chair at goGRIT.us.
NCLT’s limited mobility trail project cannot move forward without your support! We need to raise $2,500 by May 1st! Help to make this trail vision a reality by donating at GoFundMe, or mailing a check to North County Land Trust, 325 Lindell Ave, Leominster, MA 01453 with “Mobility Friendly Trail” on the memo line.
For more information: