Project Details
Enhancing a Community Treasure
The Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail is an 11-acre public space that combines ecological richness with deep cultural history. Once donated as undeveloped land, the property has been transformed into a destination for both quiet recreation and community programs, with features including woodlands, meadows, a pond, stream, and river landscapes.
At the heart of the park is the Mule Barn Pavilion, a primary gathering area nestled into the upper slopes of a native grass and wildflower meadow. With careful planning, the park has been developed in a way that harmonizes with its historic remnants, offering visitors a place to connect with both nature and heritage.
Meeting the Challenge of Accessibility
To expand enjoyment for more visitors, the park undertook the addition of ADA-compliant picnic tables. The project involved preparing a new 26.5’ x 29’ level pad, connected to the site by a newly constructed 75-foot ADA trail. Beneath the trail, geo-textile fabric was installed, and the tables now rest securely on 47 tons of trail aggregate.
A Welcoming Solution
The tables, fabricated from durable, injection-molded plastic boards, are weather-resistant and designed to last without sagging, rotting, splintering, or breaking. Installed late in the picnic season, the project still generated overwhelmingly positive feedback:
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“Love the new picnic tables.”
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“The new trail extension to the table area is so much easier as my grandmother uses a walker.”
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“The elevated area provides a wonderful view of the wildflowers.”
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“Placement of the tables away from the walnut trees provides a cleaner area.”
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“These are so nice, and we can get our handicapped son to the tables so much easier.”
Results & Impact
The ADA picnic table project demonstrates how small improvements can make a big difference for accessibility, inclusivity, and visitor experience. By ensuring all members of the community can comfortably enjoy the park, Muncy Heritage Park continues to build on its legacy as a welcoming space that celebrates nature, history, and community togetherness.
Funding & Partnerships
This project was made possible through strong community collaboration:
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Grant Award: $2,000
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Total Project Cost: $4,740.19
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Partners: Poulton Charitable Trust ($1,500) and Journey Bank ($1,240.19)
Funding and Support
This mini-grant was financed in part by the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Heritage Area Funds, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
