March is Disability Awareness Month. This year they are encouraging everyone to “Free Your Mind”.
(via indianadisabilityawareness.org)
Last year my blog at this time concentrated on what we do in the gardens to make them accessible to as many people as possible. All of that information is still relevant so check it here.
With 100 Acres – The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park opening June 20 I decided to take a look at it this year. Since it does not have an asphalt road running through it, or concrete walks, it won’t be as easily accessed for those with mobility issues as the rest of our gardens and grounds. But there will still be much to experience and enjoy.
First you have to get there. One of the main access points will be the 38th street loop just west of the IMA’s 38th Street entrance. The parking area there will put you right at the Park. However, once there, you do have to cross a one lane road. On the other side an ADA compliant ramp will lead visitors down into the Park. Other access points will be crossing over the Pony Truss Bridge from the main IMA campus and, of course, the Canal Path that runs along the edge of the Park. Once inside, many areas in the 100 Acres will be accessible by way of crushed stone paths. Not as ideal as concrete, but much better than mulch or turf. These will lead you to the visitors’ center and some of the inaugural art pieces. Several mulch paths will give people even more opportunities to interact with nature and art. Those paths will quite simply require a different level of mobility.
I really want to emphasize the nature side of the Art and Nature Park. At this point we cannot get everybody to all areas of 100 Acres. However, you will be immersed in nature no matter where you go. Native trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and perennials will abound. We began replacing the exotic invasives two years ago with a major tree planting. This year over 70 species and cultivars will be planted in and around Alfredo Jaar’s Park of the Laments.
Animals like beaver, squirrels, and turtles are common sights. Occasionally you might even glimpse a red fox or mink. Above all, it will be a great place to experience the joy of birdwatching. Waterfowl such as ducks and herons can be found on the lake, the canal, and the White River. Great Blue Herons show up regularly in the shallows of the lake. Birds of prey soar in the skies. Songbirds can be found throughout.
I have been crazy-mad about pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) from childhood as they were frequent inhabitants of the creek-bottom woods where I grew up. We have at least a pair of these brightly colored crow-sized birds in the 100 Acres.
It’s not all about seeing the birds, listen for their fascinating calls as well.
Our newly revamped website will also give folks multiple ways of getting information about the site, the nature, and the art. You can begin accessing information before you leave home! Heck, you can get information right now, over three months before the official opening day. Check out the 100 Acres page to learn about the geology of the site (work done with the US Geological Survey), the first eight commissions, or details of the opening week-end. Access is about more than physical attributes.
The visitors’ center will be fully accessible with ramps leading to a surrounding deck. Drinking fountains and bathroom facilities are located in this building. Educational materials to be housed here are still being developed. The Visitor’s Center will also give shelter from the elements – like our sudden Midwest thunderstorms.
Be sure and mark June 20 on your calendars. Free Your Mind and see you there.
Filed under: Art and Nature Park, Horticulture, Public Programs
March 5th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
I am looking forward to the opening event. Art and nature, two of my favorite things! BTW, cool photos of the woodpecker!
March 5th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
We look forward to seeing you there.
And I forgot to say the woodpecker photos are from our very own Tad Fruits.
Thank you Tad.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I have enjoyed the quiet solitude of the park with my family the way it was for many years; so sad to see it go. I was glad to see the invasive plants go and see some natural wood chip trails. No more deers and tranquility. We are slowly being crouded out by artzy fartzy entertainment parks. What a pity and waste of money.
March 12th, 2010 at 7:59 am
Jim, thank you for the comment. A limited amount of the Park will have art installations in it. Removing the invasives, especially in the understory, combined with putting back a much more diverse native plant palette will increase the variety of wildlife. We will always have deer and they quickly adjust to an increase in contact with humans. The changes in the 100 Acres will allow and encourage more people to have the sort of experiences you and your family have enjoyed. I do hope you continue to visit.
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