On a Sunday afternoon in early October, my friend Janice, my guide dog Farina and I walked the Braille Trail in Vernon, Connecticut. As I walked along the trail, I felt the warm sun on my face and I heard a concert of birds singing and crickets chirping, accompanied by melodious streams and a soft breeze rustling through the trees. The scents of cedar and pine trees, and other woodsy fragrances, filled the air. I paused at each post to read the descriptions of trees and plants. I recall one tree had a small piece of rope which had been pressed against it. The tree continued to grow despite the intrusion of the rope. In addition to the beauty of nature, a mill and a former trout-breeding farm were among the historical features along the trail. Individuals with low-vision were able to read the large white-lettered laminated signs on a black background.
According to the article, "Rope-guided Braille Trail to Open in Historic Vernon Park," by Stephanie Reitz, Hartford Courant, April 24, 1996, Brad Stewart, an Eagle Scout in Vernon, thought about a project for his Community Service Badge. He decided to coordinate the creation and development of the multi-accessible trail.
Before the actual building of the trail, it was necessary to clean debris and brush from the area. As walkers follow the multi-accessible trail, they follow a smooth, nylon rope which is looped through cedar posts and attached to the trees by rings. With the passage of time come unwelcomed and unwanted changes along the trail. The constant exposure to all types of weather causes the Braille signs to become faded. Invasive plants encroach upon the area once inhabited by native plants. The weather also takes its toll on the nylon rope, cedar posts.
According to the article, "Refurbished Braille Trail at Valley Falls Rededicated," posted on April 24, 2012, by Chris Dehnel, Editor, Vernon Patch.com., the refurbished multi-accessible Braille trail was rededicated on Friday, April 20, 2012. Businesses supplied volunteers and the necessary materials, a Pratt and Whitney grant funded the refurbishment, and CIB/Oak Hill funded the Braille signs. Volunteers removed the invasive plants from the area and replaced them with native plants. The rope and cedar posts were replaced and new brick walkways were installed.
The trail is open throughout the year, and I look forward to walking the Braille Trail during the spring. Happy Trails!