Currently there are no unpaved universally accessible trails on any of Northampton’s conservation properties. The city continues to add conservation properties and expand the (inaccessible) unpaved trail system, but there are no plans to make any of these spaces accessible.

Seniors, people with limited mobility, and those with small children could all benefit from having universally accessible unpaved nature/hiking trails. Collectively, these groups make up 30-46% of Northampton’s population. 

The heath benefits associated with spending time in nature are clear. People with limited mobility have higher rates of stress-related illnesses than people without mobility limitations. The lack of accessibility on recreation trails keeps people with limited mobility out of the city’s natural spaces.

It’s time to make this public land, and the health benefits associated with it, accessible to everyone.

Help bring universally accessible unpaved trails to Northampton by signing this petition!

Get more information and join the cause at UnpavedTrailsForAll.org