New ADA-accessible tables have been installed in several locations across campus through an “Outdoors for All” grant Fredonia received last October.
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 Fredonia was awarded last October.
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.
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.
There are 475 SUNY Fredonia students with disabilities that include mobility issues, according to the Office of Disability Support Services for Students.
Jordan Stephens, interim Student Association president, led a team of students that compiled SUNY Fredonia’s grant application. They were assisted in the effort by then-Vice President for Academic Affairs Judith Horowitz, Vice President for Student Affairs Tracy Stenger and Director of Facilities Planning Markus Kessler.
