Uplands Village Gets First ADA Compliant Trail For Wheelchair And Walker Users

Work has begun on the first-ever ADA compliant trail in the Pleasant Hill Community.

The .3 mile trail at Uplands Village will allow for easier access for folks with walkers and wheelchairs.  Uplands Village Trail Committee Chairperson Cheryl Heckler said they have had request for several years, and they’re excited to start work on the trail.

“They wanted to have a way for people who use walkers or wheelchairs to be able to get down and enjoy nature,” Heckler said.

Heckler said there are several requirements for a trail to meet ADA standards, include width requirements and a trail slope requirement.

The Tennessee Trails Association broke ground last week, and Heckler said that they are hopefully going to have the trail ready by the end of the summer.

Uplands received a $2,000 grant for the trail to cover the cost of supplies.

“The labor will be provided by Uplands so that’ll be covered underneath our own budget,” Heckler said. “And then the rest of the labor is volunteer labor.”

Heckler said that after breaking ground, they will be creating trails using different types of rock and gravel to create a compacted surface that is still permeable for water flow.

Heckler said that Upland is also looking into building a dock on the lake near the trail. She said she hopes it provides a place where people can sit by the water, fish, or simply enjoy nature.