Series of accessible, guided walks launch in Sudbury

Guided accessible walks in Sudbury L'Arche Sudbury and the Rainbow Routes Association have partner to offer inclusive walks in Greater Sudbury.

Two non-profit organizations have partnered to offer guided, accessible walks in Sudbury aimed at providing inclusive outdoor recreation.

L'Arche Sudbury, an organization aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities, has partnered with Rainbow Routes Association (RRA), a group dedicated to encouraging connection to nature.

The RRA runs and manages area trails.

Monday's walk began with a guided tour of the murals in downtown Sudbury.

Called the Sudbury Inclusive Trail Trekkers, three events are planned for this year.

Suzanne Thibault, the program coordinator at L'Arche Sudbury, said a goal of the program is to identify areas in the city that could use improvement regarding accessibility and provide the feedback to RRA and the City of Greater Sudbury.

She said the winter poses added challenges for individuals with mobility concerns, especially if sidewalks and streets aren't plowed. In the summer, challenges in city streets and trails can make mobility difficult for some.

"Outside and nature should be accessible to all regardless of ability or disability," said Thibault.

"If there's paved or gravel trails, is there a curb to get up to that trail? Of course not all trails can be accessible by wheelchair users or walker users but there's plenty of trails in the city and surrounding areas that can be."

Laurentian University student Angela Miller-Bruce is working with RRA as part of her internship – she helped initiate this project.

"One of my main objectives is to make sure all people, all parts of community within Sudbury and surrounding communities can get out and enjoy these amazing trails," Miller-Bruce said.

The next walk will be the Fielding Park Walk on Sept. 16, followed by one at the Bell Park Boardwalk Oct. 23 – both walks are scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and anyone is welcome to participate.