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Adventure Arkansas: ADA Trails

One in Five people live with a disability in Northwest Arkansas. That’s according to Sources, a group dedicated to helping people with disabilities live i...

One in Five people live with a disability in Northwest Arkansas. That's according to Sources, a group dedicated to helping people with disabilities live independently. Sean Bailey met up with people who, despite dealing with disabilities, are still finding adventure in the trails in our own backyard.

Thousands of people across Fayetteville take to the trails every day. Matt Mihalevich, the Trails Coordinator for the City of Fayetteville estimates about 90% of the 37 miles of trails across the city meet the requirements from the American Disabilities Act.

In the River Valley, the Janet Huckabee Nature Center hosts an ADA trails network around Wells Lake. In order to meet the ADA requirements, trails must be paved, be at least 3 feet across, and have little slope according to Sources Executive Director, Jim Mathers.

The Scull Creek trail is one of many trails across NWA that meets these requirements. It's one that Jordan, a college senior, loves to use and who's goal is to ride the entire Razorback Greenway Trail.

"I haven't been all the way to Bella Vista yet, but that is a goal of mine. I wanted I say my favorite part is the part past Dickson, and the part past Martin Luther King. I enjoy all of the trails because of the diverse landscape."

Sara Smith's favorite trail is also Scull Creek, and it's a trail she's been recognized by the city for helping maintain. "I work very hard to keep this trail clean." And she hopes that people don't continue to litter along it.

Whether it be helping get outdoors, finding employment, or meeting friends, Sources has many resources that Mather estimates helps 1,000 or more people a year. Craig Blanchard, a kayaker as well as a threat as number 55 on the basketball court, says the assistance from Sources helped him realize the array of opportunities for adventure.

"Having an example of people helping people, have fun. And that meaning able bodied folks helping individuals with impairments get out and experience the activity."

And even if a disability is physical, Sara says doubting what you can do is all mental. "Just do what you can. Don't think of what you can't do, think of what you can do."

Sources has a "Roll, Walk and Run" 5K coming up Wednesday October 28th.

For a link to other ADA approved trails across NWA and the River Valley, visit here.

Sponsored by: Adventure Subaru

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