Wayne ARC Group Day Habilitation Program, one of the newest Erie Canalway Trail Adopters, gives back to the community by maintaining a half-mile section of trail between Lock 28B and Old Lyons Road in the Village of Newark.
“Even a small amount of work pays off for the people using the trail. It’s a great lesson for our participants and for the community,” said Alicia Bell, the group’s coordinator. According to Bell, the Adopt-a-Trail program also gives ARC staff an additional programming option, especially on nice days when clients appreciate getting some fresh air.
Wayne ARC takes to the trail for cleanup one Friday a month, as well as other days when the opportunity presents itself. Since the trail section that Wayne ARC has adopted is paved, other programs participants, including individuals in wheel chairs and walkers, are able to join in as well. The Wayne ARC staff hands out extension “grabbers” so that everyone can do their part.
Alicia Bell learned of the Adopt-a-Trail program from a supervisor at another day center within the ARC network who also coordinates an Adopt-a-Trail group and has found trail adoption activities to be beneficial for day program participants. The Wayne ARC group was originally interested in another, longer section of trail for adoption. However, that section was already adopted. As is often the case, Wayne ARC found that the available section suits them well.
Wayne ARC was incorporated in 1964 as the county-level chapter of NYSARC. The Newark facility is one of several residences and service locations throughout the county. The Day Habilitation program serves approximately 80 developmentally-disabled adults who come to the center each day for programming and socializing.
Congratulations Wayne ARC for 50 years of service and a great start as Erie Canalway Trail Adopters! Look for the group on the trail in Newark on Fridays.
More information on the Adopt-a-Trail program, including registration information and maps of adopted and available trail sections, can be found on the Adopt-a-Trail page of PTNY’s website.
