nurturing the relationship
between spirituality and social justice

Alex and Melanie discussing plans

excavation

Alex on earth moving equipment

Volunteer work day

Forms are set to receive concrete

Trail from across the lawn

Packing down the surface

The Accessible Trails Project

Under the day-to-day supervision of AmeriCorps*Vista Member Alex Wilson, and with the active involvement of an Accessibility Advisory Committee, Leaven has designed and completed 700 feet of trail that makes the natural beauty of the land more readily available to individuals who might otherwise be limited to the lodge and driveway area of The Leaven Center.

In meetings with the Advisory Committee, it was determined that a “perimeter trail” was the most viable first step in the project. This was decided after comparing three other rough plans that Wilson compiled in consultation with the committee, staff, community volunteer consultants, and research of guidelines and projects constructed by other organizations.

A detailed plan was created for the perimeter trail. This plan incorporated guidelines from the National Council on Accessibility and the Americans with Disabilities Act. It takes into account the needs of Leaven participants, the shape and texture of the land, aesthetic concerns, financial concerns, and durability of the construction techniques. The plan utilizes both poured cement as well as a natural crushed stone surface.

A local contractor, Joe Summers, was retained to build the cement portion of the trail in cooperation with site supervisor Alex Wilson. Leaven staff and volunteers constructed the natural surface portion.

Gifts and grants totalling $13,000 were received for the Accessible Trails Project. Two area lumberyards also assisted through donations. In one case, approximately $1,000 worth of lumber was donated. In the other cases, a partial donation was given in the form of a discounted price on lumber.

The contractor began earth work in September 2004. Simultaneously, construction of the natural surfaced portion of the trail began with the installment of the side timbers that serve as the main structural element of this portion of the trail. A successful volunteer work day made significant progress on the construction of the trail under Wilson's guidance.

After the work day, Wilson, with staff assistance, installed the remaining timbers as well as the crushed stone. This portion of the trails was completed in mid-November 2004, and supporters gathered for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration.

The next phase will be the construction of a barrier-free wooden observation platform overlooking a stream which parallels the trail. Donations are being sought to initiate this phase of the project.

For more information about Leaven and its programs, you may call us at the Leaven Center office, (989) 855-2606, write us at Leaven, P.O. Box 97, Lyons, MI 48851 or e-mail us at leavencenter@leaven.org. The Leaven Center is midway between Lansing and Grand Rapids.

Donors include: