More About Sensory Trail Park

Its Purpose

To enhance the lives of individuals with developmental and physical disabilities in the community, construction of a sensory trail was proposed.  Research had shown that nature and outdoor sensory stimulation and learning is a valuable key to development.

Its History – Phases I, II, III

Outdoor, hands-on nature stations were created to stimulate all five senses – hearing, vision, touch, taste, smell.

The trail runs along the west side of Fetter Run (creek).  The sensory spur of the trail extended the bike/hike trail designated as College Avenue by 866 feet.

Pull off stations are areas designed to stimulate the senses through colors, textures, scents, and sounds.  Flowers, trees, vines, and shrubs have been planted along the walkway.

To enhance hearing, vision, and touch, six large, permanently-mounted outdoor music instruments have been installed.  Anyone can play them with the tethered mallets on each one.  They are wheelchair accessible.

A Rough Bark Tactile Display was constructed by Baltimore Lions Club.  Six species of tree logs are displayed.  All have Braille interpretive signage.

Fetter Run presents trail users with many things to stimulate the senses.  The presence of water can have a soothing effect.  Visitors are invited to sit an enjoy the sounds and watch the water.  Temperatures are cooler under the tree canopy and light is less harsh.

A wheelchair-accessible swing set with additional bucket swings and the typical swings has been installed so children using wheelchairs can swing alongside those who do not.

An elevated, wheelchair-accessible tree house sits on the east of the trail, between the pathway and Fetter Run.  Inside is artwork and other visual stimulation.  Who does not like a tree house!?

Recycled-content benches and trash receptacles were donated by Fairfield County Commissioners, Solid Waste District, and Lancaster Fairfield County Litter Prevention & Recycling Program.

Its Future – Phase IV

An original Fairfield County bridge, Ruffner Covered Bridge, that was moved to Perry County in the early 1980s, will be moved back to Fairfield County and rebuilt over Fetters Run.  The bridge will provide safe wheelchair-accessible access from the trail to the wetland and boardwalk without having to enter areas where there is motorized vehicle traffic.  (Update:  Because of budget constraints, the plan to move the bridge has been delayed.)

Habitat development and natural areas along the trail extension will provide numerous opportunities for viewing wildlife.  Habitats are to include the stream corridor, the CRP wildlife planting, grasslands, and upland forest.  New habitats are to be enhanced by the addition of bird houses and feeding stations, selection and planting of desired wildlife food plants, and construction of accessible viewing platforms.  Plans for a two-acre constructed wetland along the trail with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk have been drawn.  These habitats are intended to stimulate interest and awareness in everyone but especially in those with learning disabilities or physical disabilities.

The trail will be extended north to the Bickford Assisted Living facility so residents there will have access to Sensory Trail.

Project Administration & Maintenance

Friends of Lancaster Sensory Trail Committee is the local sponsor and Fairfield County Foundation is the 501(c)3 serving as the fiscal agent for the project.

The property is owned by Fairfield County Commissioners.  It was transferred with a five-year lease, signed May 30, 2017, between the Board of Fairfield County Commissioners, lessor, and Fairfield County Park District Board of Park Commissioners, lessee, for the term of June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2022.