Written by By Bill Doucet, Cambridge Times, May 11, 2024
A proposed project will make Shade’s Mills Conservation Area more accessible.
Grand River Conservation Authority is looking for public feedback on upgrades to the area that will lead to more access to the beach and boat launch area and the implantation of a meditation grove sensory area.
Improvements to accessing the water will include installing an accessible beach mat, purchasing a floating beach wheelchair, purchasing an accessible all-terrain vehicle, installing an accessible dock and kayak launch, and upgrades to the existing wilderness trails that connect the parking lot beach and boat launch.
A meditation grove will also be built for visitors with sensor sensitivities.
The “quiet, low stimulus” area, with limited visual and auditory distractions, will be developed off the Woodlands Trail and maintained regularly be Shade’s Mills staff. Native shrubs and trees will surround the perimeter and a pollinator garden will be established. Benches and/or picnic tables will be available.
While the conservation authority stated the actual cost of the project would depend on the public input, an $83,068 Enabling Accessibility Fund grant would cover the floating beach wheelchair, an all-terrain wheelchair and installation of both a beach matt and accessible dock/kayak launch.
The GRCA stated there will be “small” additional costs related to trail upgrades associated with the project and the meditation grove.