Get in contact with nature on Frick Park’s Sensory Trail

Frick Park is understood for an expansive community of trails all through its 644 acres within the East End of Pittsburgh — and it now has a path that’s made, really, for everybody. The information beneath was written by Francesca Dabecco for City Cast Pittsburgh and kindly shared with Kidsburgh. 

Frick Park’s Sensory Nature Trail, a completely accessible one-third mile stretch situated beside the Frick Environmental Center, delights guests with an attractive expertise by means of the woodland.

“It was developed through more than a year of community engagement to ensure the design was reflective of the needs of individuals who would benefit from visiting the most,” says Alana Wenk from Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

The nonprofit collaborated with architects at Pashek+MTR to create an interactive and inclusive vacation spot, full with a large, easy path that’s ADA-compliant. Wenk says the Parks Conservancy is even planning a observe chair pilot program the place folks can hire all-terrain wheelchairs.

“I hope that everyone who visits feels welcome and inspired,” Wenk says.

What Can You Find Along the Trail?

At the doorway, the Meadow View Pavilion affords a shady seat and a view of the Clayton Hill Meadow, crammed with native vegetation and native pollinators.

And simply past the pavilion, the Outdoor Discovery Space and Timber Fort welcomes younger explorers to play. What appears to be like like an abnormal child-height desk can remodel right into a nature-inspired mud kitchen, science lab, or out of doors artwork studio.

Here, the Meadow Kaleidoscope is a must-visit. Peer by means of the lens, and be dazzled by the swirling colours and patterns created by the pot of flowers located beneath. The view is vibrant and mesmerizing, giving a brand new perspective on nature’s magnificence.

Follow the path for extra stations that encourage leisure and surprise — just like the Rest Nest, a comfy nook with tree truck seats the place you’ll be able to take within the sounds of birds chirping and the mild rustling of timber.

Hear music within the distance? It’s the Pebble Harp, a picket construction that creates tones from tiny stones pouring over metallic “strings.” Drop in a handful of pebbles to make sounds — nearly like water droplets — that harmonize with the wild soundtrack of the woods.

Don’t miss a second of respite on the Observation Deck, an area that makes you are feeling each grounded and such as you’re floating among the many timber. Watch as hikers go beneath, and hold your eyes peeled for furry buddies.

Know Before You Go

• Before you discover, take a look at the Frick Environmental Center’s Lending Library for assistive sources, sensory kits, backpacks, and extra. It’s free to all guests!
• The tour could make you wish to go away your telephone behind, however for those who’ve obtained it useful, you’ll be able to scan QR codes alongside the best way for info and prompts that’ll have interaction you at every cease on the path.
• The Parks Conservancy will sometimes set up laminated indicators of illustrated youngsters’s ebook pages alongside the trail. Take the path to “turn” every web page and browse the complete story.

This story was initially printed at City Cast Pittsburgh. Photo by Francesca Dabecco. Click here to join their free e-newsletter. And click here to change into a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor.