We are thrilled to announce that two of our studio’s projects with the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) won Honor Awards at the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) award ceremony last week. The Autism Nature Trail (ANT) at Letchworth State Park received the Built Design category Honor Award, and The Hamlin Beach State Park Strategic Plan received the Planning & Analysis category Honor Award.

The ANT trail is in Castile, NY and is the first of its kind. This nature trail was conceived of and designed specifically to provide a safe and inclusive play experience set in deep nature for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is composed of an accessible mile-long trail through the woods with eight play stations. The route has a variety of specific elements to appeal to a wide range of individual abilities and needs, particularly those who are neurodiverse.

The Hamlin Beach State Park Strategic Plan was undertaken to explore opportunities for enhancements that improve the visitor experience, provide sustainable park improvements, and expand the outdoor recreational offerings. The primary planning objectives include environmental and ecological community enhancements and preservation, creation of a resilient shoreline, rehabilitation of historic structures, assessing and expanding park programming opportunities, providing universal accessibility, and improving pedestrian and vehicular circulation.

We are extremely honored to have been entrusted with these visionary projects by NYSOPRHP and to be recognized by the New York Upstate Chapter of ASLA.