Approaching Big Inclusivity Gaps as a Grassroots Trail Organization

Access to outdoor spaces isn’t always a given. The Inclusive Spaces Audit is a tool to identify both strengths and gaps in welcoming, belonging, and accessibility for trails and recreation spaces. This session explores how the Stowe Trails Partnership (STP) participated in and used the Inclusive Spaces Audit. For STP, inclusivity is a cornerstone for the 40+ miles of multi-use trails they manage in Stowe, Vermont. After participating in a workshop, STP utilized the Inclusive Spaces Audit in their most popular trail network and is working with their town and land access partners to tackle identified areas for improvement. From trail signs to handicap accessible parking spots, learn from this case study of how small changes towards inclusivity, with the right champion, can make big impacts.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the Inclusive Spaces Audit and how it can be used to assess welcoming, belonging, and accessibility in trail and recreation settings.
• Examine how the Stowe Trails Partnership applied the audit tool to evaluate a high-use trail network and prioritize improvements in collaboration with municipal and land access partners.
• Identify practical, incremental actions—such as signage improvements and accessible parking enhancements—that can significantly improve inclusivity when supported by strong leadership and community partnerships.

Presenters:

• Kelsie Sibbald, Stowe Trails Partnership
• Kenzie Brunner,  Stowe Trails Partnership
• Angie Braley, Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals 

STEPS TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE FOR LEARNING CREDITS:

1. Attend live webinar/view recording
2. Take and pass the quiz with a 70% or higher
3. Take a short survey 
    

This course is worth the following credits: 1.00 AICP CM | 1.00 LA CES HSW | 0.10 NRPA CEU | 0.10 CEU/1.00 PDH Equivalency Petition. American Trails is a certified provider and is excited to partner with SORP to offer free learning credits to attendees. If you passed the quiz with a 75% or higher, a certificate will automatically be emailed to you. If you did not pass, you can retake the quiz to obtain a passing score and certificate.