Breaking Barriers: Transforming Outdoor Spaces for All

Sunnyhill Adventures
Written By Sunnyhill

Empowerment in Every Step: Transforming Outdoor Spaces for All

Outdoor spaces should offer refuge, joy, and connection to everyone. Yet for many people diagnosed with disabilities or those who use mobility or sensory supports, these environments remain inaccessible. Barriers like uneven pathways, sensory overload, and lack of inclusive design prevent full participation in nature’s healing embrace. The opportunity to enjoy nature should be a right, not a privilege. By addressing usability alongside accessibility and incorporating sensory-friendly elements, we can create outdoor spaces that invite and empower everyone to connect with the natural world.

The Power of Recreation: Mary & Albert’s Journey

Mary and Albert, members of the Sunnyhill community, illustrate the transformative power of inclusive recreation. Their passion for archery has become a source of connection, empowerment, and personal growth.

Their home is filled with archery equipment and awards, reflecting their dedication and skill. For Mary and Albert, archery is more than a hobby—it’s a way to challenge themselves and celebrate their accomplishments.

Albert’s story is especially inspiring. As a child, he was told by a doctor that his developmental diagnosis would prevent him from achieving independence. However, Albert’s determination defied expectations. Today, he lives independently, works full-time, drives his own car, and excels in his recreational pursuits.

In 2019, Mary and Albert married, marking another milestone in their shared journey. Yet, they’ve encountered challenges, such as programs treating adults with disabilities as children, overlooking their autonomy and maturity.

Their journey underscores the need for recreational spaces that respect individuality, provide opportunities for growth, and empower people who use supports. At Sunnyhill, we strive to create programs that celebrate independence and build on the strengths of every individual.

The Challenge: Confronting Ableism in Outdoor Spaces

Despite progress, outdoor spaces often present challenges for people with disabilities or those who use mobility or sensory supports. Ableism—whether intentional or unintentional—creates barriers that limit opportunities for participation and enjoyment. These barriers include:

  • Uneven Terrain and Steep Inclines: Individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility supports frequently encounter obstacles like rough trails and steep paths.

  • Lack of Ramps and Handrails: Key features like ramps and handrails are often missing, especially where they are most needed.

  • Sensory Overload: Crowded, noisy spaces can overwhelm those with sensory sensitivities, such as people diagnosed with autism.

  • Inaccessible Signage: Poorly designed or absent signage makes navigation difficult for individuals who use cognitive or visual supports.

Without inclusive design, outdoor spaces can inadvertently exclude people, limiting their ability to connect with nature, engage in physical activity, and experience emotional well-being.

Usability in Design: Creating Truly Inclusive Outdoor Spaces

The theme of usability in November focuses on ensuring that outdoor spaces work for everyone—not just those with physical mobility support needs, but also for those diagnosed with sensory sensitivities, cognitive challenges, and mental health needs. Usability is about ensuring that all aspects of a space are usable by everyone, from the layout to the equipment and signage.

Here’s how we can make outdoor spaces truly usable for people of all abilities:

  1. Proprioceptive Input (Muscle & Joint Feedback): Create soft sand paths, gentle climbing walls, and smooth trails that offer the right level of resistance for muscle and joint feedback, making them accessible for everyone, including those with mobility challenges.

  2. Vestibular Input (Balance & Orientation): Incorporate accessible swings, balance beams, or gentle walking paths to engage individuals with balance challenges. Ensure these are designed with safety in mind, offering secure handrails and low barriers.

  3. Tactile Input (Touch): Sensory gardens, paths with varying textures, and water features can stimulate the sense of touch. These should be built with smooth transitions and non-slip materials to ensure safe and comfortable access.

  4. Visual Input (Light Sensitivity): Design spaces with low-glare surfaces, shaded areas, and areas of contrast for easy navigation by people with visual sensitivities. Use clear, high-contrast markings for wayfinding.

  5. Auditory Input (Sound Sensitivity): Some visitors may find the natural sounds of the outdoors calming, while others may find them overwhelming. Quiet zones or areas with soft soundscapes (e.g., a gentle water feature) are key for creating a sensory-friendly environment. Additionally, include sound-dampening materials and designated quiet spaces.

  6. Olfactory Input (Smell Sensitivity): Scent-free zones can benefit people who are sensitive to smells, while still offering spaces with pleasant fragrances like lavender or pine for those who enjoy them.

  7. Gustatory Input (Taste Sensitivity): Accessible picnic areas and adaptive food stations allow individuals with specific dietary needs to enjoy outdoor meals without barriers.

Healing Through Nature: Benefits for All

Spending time in nature provides profound mental, emotional, and physical health benefits. For people diagnosed with disabilities or those using sensory supports, these benefits can be even more significant:

  • Enhanced Development: Outdoor activities promote physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.

  • Improved Communication: Nature fosters social connections and enhances communication, especially for individuals diagnosed with autism.

  • Boosted Confidence: Outdoor experiences build self-esteem and strengthen relationships.

Research highlights these benefits. One study found that tree canopy coverage in communities reduced behavioral issues for children diagnosed with autism. Another study in Italy showed that young adults with autism experienced increased independence and adaptive behavior through gardening programs.

Strategies for Improvement

Creating inclusive outdoor spaces requires intentional design and planning:

  • Sensory-Friendly Design: Incorporate multi-sensory features to encourage engagement with nature.

  • Environmental Educators: Train professionals to guide sensory exploration and support families.

  • Individualized Nature Programs (INPs): Tailor experiences to meet the needs of each participant.

  • Inclusive Infrastructure: Develop accessible trails, playgrounds, and parks that accommodate varying abilities.

These strategies make outdoor environments more equitable and empowering for all individuals.

Sunnyhill Adventures: Embracing the Outdoors for All Abilities

At Sunnyhill, we believe nature is for everyone. Through Sunnyhill Adventures, we’re breaking down barriers to make outdoor recreation accessible to individuals with developmental disabilities. This destination provides meaningful experiences tailored to all abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the great outdoors.

Located just 40 minutes from Greater St. Louis, Sunnyhill Adventures is a Challenge by Choice destination for individuals of all ages, mobility levels, and sensory preferences. Whether for school field trips during the school year or Sunnyhill's Adventures Camp programming in the summer, this inclusive environment allows everyone to connect with nature, push personal boundaries, and create lasting memories.

Explore Missouri’s natural beauty on the Sunshine Woods trails, engage in Exploration with activities that promote physical and mental well-being, and embrace Recreation through accessible challenges like the alpine climbing tower, zip lines, and adapted team sports—all designed with accessibility in mind.

Sunnyhill Adventures is proudly operated by Sunnyhill, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities. Every rental at Sunnyhill Adventures supports our mission to foster inclusive, enriching experiences.

Join us to discover a world of Recreation, Exploration and Conservation. Find your adventures at Sunnyhill Adventures!

Summer 2025 Camp Programming Now Available!
The schedule for the Summer 2025 Sunnyhill Adventures Camp is now available! This year’s camp offers outdoor activities designed for all abilities. For more information, contact Jayne Grishman, Director of Recreation, at JGrisham@SunnyhillInc.org.

Financial assistance is available through the REC Council of St. Louis. Apply today at recreationcouncil.org/applications.

Be sure to bookmark www.sunnyhilladventures.org, where you can learn more about Sunnyhill Adventures, explore accessible outdoor resources, and discover ways to get involved in making the outdoors inclusive for everyone. Our new destination website will be launching in December 2024.

Get Involved: Community & Fundraising Events

❄️ Be Part of Let It Snow – Flurries of Hope! ❄️

This holiday season, we invite you to join Sunnyhill in making a difference. Through our Let It Snow – Flurries of Hope campaign, you can help bring hope and support to individuals in our programs in two powerful ways:

  • Contribute to the Annual Appeal
    Every donation to our Annual Appeal fuels Sunnyhill’s programs and services, ensuring that we can continue providing year-round care for those we serve. Your generosity helps us create a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with developmental disabilities.

  • Buy a Snowflake to Spread Holiday Cheer
    Each Sunnyhill Snowflake you purchase provides warmth, essentials, meals, and the joy of the season to individuals in need. Every snowflake lights up a life and brings essential support to those who need it most.

This season, Sunnyhill’s Snowflake of Hope wish is that each individual we serve feels the warmth of community and the security of having their essential needs met. Let’s come together to make this wish come true and let it snow hope and cheer! Make sure to visit Sunnyhill’s social media and website to see wishes from our community and staff.

Shine your light of generosity on those supported by Sunnyhill’s programs and services this holiday season. For all donations over $250, contributors will receive a custom resin snowflake created by a Sunnyhill artist.

Upcoming Events:

Community Giveback Nights
Join us for our Community Giveback Nights where a portion of your food and beverage purchases will also support the Annual Appeal! Check out our upcoming events below:
• 12/5/24 – The Fountain on Locust, 15% of food & beverage

  • The Sunlit Circle Ticket Package On Sale Now - $500 Donation for VIP experiences at March Matchness on 3/20/25, Sunnyhill Derby on 5/3/25, ARTventure 2025, July 2025, and Sunnyhill's Pickleball Tournament on 9/14/25

  • 3/20/2025: March Matchness, Top Golf Chesterfield, MO

    • A unique twist on college basketball tournament season – enjoy golf, delicious brunch buffet, bottomless drinks, and spirited games while helping us raise $50,000 to make Sunnyhill Adventures more inclusive with extended golf carts.
      More Information: https://MarchMatchness25.eventbrite.com

  • Support the Sunny Day Fund! 🌞

    • Launched in October 2024, the Sunny Day Fund provides crucial support for Sunnyhill individuals facing challenges like health expenses, utility bills, food insecurity, and housing instability. This fund removes barriers, allowing individuals to focus on their goals and well-being.

    • How It Works:
      10% of all donations and fundraising proceeds go directly to the Sunny Day Fund. You can also contribute fully to the fund to maximize its impact. We aim to raise $250,000 annually to provide ongoing support.

      How You Can Help:

      • Donate: Your gift helps cover urgent needs like health, housing, and daily essentials.

      • Spread the Word: Share the Sunny Day Fund with friends and family.

      • Get Involved: Join volunteer opportunities and events to strengthen the fund’s impact.

    • Together, we can make life’s challenges a little easier, one sunny day at a time! 🌞

Advocacy Point: Fighting Ableism: A Call to Action

True inclusion requires collective effort. Here’s how you can contribute:

  1. Advocate: Encourage usability in public spaces by speaking at community meetings.

  2. Volunteer: Support organizations committed to inclusive outdoor environments.

  3. Raise Awareness: Share stories and resources that emphasize the importance of accessibility and usability.

Together, we can create outdoor spaces that uplift and empower all individuals, regardless of ability or supports.

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Wellness Focus: Caregivers Corner

As a caregiver, you play a vital role in helping your loved one connect with the outdoors. Use these tips to ensure an enjoyable, usable experience:

  1. Research Accessible Features: Plan ahead by researching parks, trails, and recreation areas that offer usability-focused features like accessible ramps, quiet zones, and sensory-friendly environments.

  2. Bring Sensory Tools: Prepare for any sensory needs by bringing noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or fidget tools to help with sensory overload.

  3. Celebrate the Outdoors: Whether you’re at a quiet park or enjoying a gentle nature walk, embrace the moments of connection with nature—fostering joy and well-being for your loved one.

Board of Directors Highlight

Sunnyhill would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to three exceptional members of our Board of Directors—Sean King, Derrick Good, and Jennifer Seiler—who will be stepping down at the end of December. Over the years, Sean, Derrick, and Jennifer have been instrumental in shaping the direction and growth of our organization. Their unwavering support, strategic guidance, and dedication have laid a strong foundation for Sunnyhill’s continued success. Thanks to their tireless efforts, we now have a growing list of new members eager to join our mission. We are deeply grateful to Sean, Derrick, and Jennifer for their remarkable contributions and for being such an important part of the Sunnyhill family.

Executive Message: Amy Wheeler, CEO

In October, our Sunnyhill team had the honor of presenting at the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) Annual Conference in Atlanta, where we shared the success of Sunnyhill Adventures and its camp programming. We highlighted how Sunnyhill Adventures has become Missouri’s premier Challenge by Choice destination, offering inclusive outdoor spaces where everyone—regardless of mobility or sensory needs—can engage in Recreation, Exploration, and Conservation. Physical activity is vital for all, especially for those diagnosed with disabilities, as it promotes physical health, boosts confidence, and fosters social connections. Sunnyhill Adventures stands as a powerful example of how outdoor activities can empower individuals of all abilities to thrive and connect with nature in meaningful ways.

As we look ahead, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the retiring members of our Board of Directors—Sean King, Derrick Good, and Jennifer Seiler. Your leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment have left an incredible legacy, and we are truly thankful for all you've contributed. We’re also excited to launch our Let It Snow: Flurries of Hope Annual Appeal. Your generous support will help us continue to provide inclusive programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. We’re energized by the possibilities of the year ahead and are grateful to have you as part of the Sunnyhill family!

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Director’s Corner:

  • Kathleen Branson, CFO
    No Update for November 2024.

  • Kelly Scarcliff, Human Resources
    No Update for November 2024.

  • Interested in learning about employment opportunities at Sunnyhill? Visit our career listings on Indeed.

  • Jim Schmitt, Information Technology & Security Services
    No Update for November 2024.

  • Chris Shoults, Facility & Maintenance
    No Update for November 2024.

🎁 SPECIAL GIFT: With every snowflake purchase over $250, you’ll receive a stunning handmade snowflake crafted by our talented artist community! This unique piece symbolizes the difference you're making in their lives and serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy of giving. Shine your light of generosity and warmth this holiday season.



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