Press release
An innovative nature trail at Letchworth State Park specifically designed for people on the
autism spectrum has received a $10,000 grant from one of western New York’s largest charitable
foundations.
Rich Family Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Rich Products Corp., is providing the grant to
support construction and programming at the Autism Nature Trail (The ANT) now under
construction at the state park.
The first of its kind in the U.S., the one-mile loop trail was created to address the sensory needs
of people with autism spectrum disorder, a range of conditions often characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
Compliant under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Trail loop will feature eight stations
offering a range of experiences from quiet engagement to active exploration and adventure.
Specialized elements such as cuddle swings, gliders, and “alone zones” also are a part of the
Trail experience, each created to provide an inclusive environment for individuals of differing
needs and abilities. Signage telling visitors what to expect as they make their way around the
Trail creates purposeful consistency and predictability.
“Rich Entertainment Group operates a collection of businesses in the sports, travel, theater and
hospitality industries and are very fortunate to manage the Glen Iris Inn, which is located within the beautiful Letchworth State Park. We are excited to be a part of this inclusive experience,”
said Joe Segarra, President of Rich Entertainment Group.
“We believe it is important to deliver what the Rich Entertainment Group is all about – bringing families and friends together through unique, memorable and inclusive experiences.”
Rich Family Foundation and Rich Entertainment Group are under the umbrella of Buffalo-based
Rich Products, the region’s largest private company with operations on the city’s West Side.
“We are thrilled to have the support and investment of Rich Family Foundation in this very
special project,” said Loren Penman, Co-Chair for The ANT. “As the company website states,
‘At Rich’s, we not only embrace our differences, we celebrate them.’ This is exactly the vision,
mission and message of The Autism Nature Trail.”
Statistics show that young people with autism spend disproportionate amounts of time indoors,
often finding comfort in digital activities which results in social isolation. This disconnectedness
not only affects individuals with ASD but also can affect caregivers and entire families. The ANT
is designed as a series of accessible and safe outdoor spaces in nature, far from the distractions
and often overwhelming stimuli of everyday outside life.
The Campaign to Build the Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park is supported by several
organizational partners within New York State, including the Natural Heritage Trust, Camp
Puzzle Peace of Rochester, Letchworth State Park, Perry Central School District in Wyoming
County and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.
The Autism Nature Trail is part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s 2021 State of the State
agenda to reimagine, rebuild and renew New York State, including enhancing New York State
Parks.
For more information or to contribute to ongoing work to fund quality programming at the site,
visit: https://autismnaturetrail.com/