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Until recently, standards for universally accessible recreational facilities for people with limited mobility applied only to sidewalks and building entrances. But the United States Access Board issued new standards with specific guidelines on appropriate construction of facilities, now including campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails.

Past work in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks involved creating short, paved trails at major destination points that met the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The General Sherman Tree Trail is just one example.

ADA-based trail construction is valuable and called for at certain sites, but is prohibitive on a grand scale because of impact and cost. The Foundation provided funding for a comprehensive assessment of the need for and feasibility of improvements to front-country trails. In Kings Canyon, the assessment identified 16 possible trail upgrade sites (totaling over $1.5 million). The assessment in Sequoia is now under way.

As our efforts to create more meaningful access to wilderness for visitors of all abilities continues, you’ll be hearing more from us about opportunities to support this important work.