Efforts to improve access to SUNY Fredonia's outdoor spaces have moved forward with the installation of ADA-accessible tables across campus. Five tables were purchased and installed recently as part of an $8,000 "Outdoors for All" SUNY mini grant that the university was awarded last fall. The goal of the grant is to improve access to Fredonia's abundant outdoor spaces for students with mobility challenges and those less familiar with outdoor activities. According to Fredonia's Office of Disability Support Services for Students, there are 475 Fredonia students with disabilities that include mobility issues.
In addition to the tables, the grant will fund the development of a low-maintenance native sensory garden. That work is now underway and when completed, the garden will feature native species such as swamp rose mallow, blue flag Irish, butterfly milkweed, cardinal flower and great blue lobelia.
Volunteers from the student sustainability club Fred Grows and the Student Sustainability Committee will assist Facilities Services staff with garden installation and maintenance.
The Outdoors for All program provides grants to support individual campuses in facilitating year-round opportunities and encouraging ties between co-curricular activities and academic and career opportunities in sustainability.
Photo by SUNY Fredonia
