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A nature trail blazed in Braille

A 16-year-old's Eagle Scout project makes it easier for the visually impaired to enjoy the sounds, smells and feel of the outdoors.

By JILL ANN PERRINO
Published March 27, 2005

EAST LAKE - On a recent clear Saturday morning at John Chesnut Sr. Park there was much to appreciate for all the senses: a gentle breeze, birds singing, the fresh smells of fauna and Lake Tarpon.

It was easy to understand why Alex Sandkuhl, 16, wants to share his love of nature with others and why, when he chose his Eagle Scout project, he chose a guided trail for those who don't usually get to enjoy the park as most can, namely, those who are visually impaired.

He hopes his project will give many "a new way to see nature."

And it should, said park supervisor Michael Butts.

"The park's goal is to have something for everyone," Butts said. "Alex's project is right in line with our goals."

Here's how the guided trail works: along the boardwalk of the already existing Peggy Park nature trail, Sandkuhl connected a cable that visually impaired trail users can grab onto and follow as a guide. Knots in the cable alert users to check the plaque above. Each plaque, written in Braille, tells visitors about points of interest along the trail. Through touch, smell and hearing, the visually impaired will be able to enjoy the park better.

The first stop welcomes visitors and instructs them on how to use the guided trail. Other stops encourage visitors to listen for the yellow-bellied sapsucker and the low grunting of alligators, to touch the bald cypress or to enjoy the sweet smell of muscadine grapes.

While the actual day of installation went well for Sandkuhl and his group of volunteers, he faced many challenges along the way. Hurricanes washed out some of the trail and a tree that was going to be featured, postponing plans and altering them slightly. Two football injuries made surgery and rehab mandatory before the work could be scheduled. And heavy rain prevented work from being done on the original date planned, resulting in a loss of volunteers in rescheduling.

"Whatever could go wrong, did go wrong," said Sue Sandkuhl, Alex's mom. Still, she noted, "being an Eagle is not a rank, but a way of life." Only 2 percent of Boy Scouts become Eagle Scouts, and completing a community project does not guarantee Eagle status.

In addition, Sandkuhl had to work out many details of the project. Choosing what materials to use that would best serve his purpose and be durable enough to survive the elements and last over time was one such challenge. He seemed especially pleased to have come up with the idea of using cutting boards as background for the plaques.

"They are lightweight, won't rust, (are) durable and easy for those with low vision to spot," he said.

Other issues involved getting some expertise. He relied on 10-year-old Alex Follo, who is visually impaired, for help on the overall concept and to help work out some of the details.

Alex, a fourth-grader at Ozona Elementary School, said he liked the idea from the beginning and seemed impressed with the finished concept.

"The cable idea is awesome," said Alex, who uses a cane. "I never would have thought of that."

Randi Farissier, a Braille transcriber for Pinellas County Schools, donated her time to create the Braille portion of the plaques because she too thought the idea was "awesome."

"There are so few special things for the visually impaired in the area," she said. "The guided trail will be wonderful and allow the visually impaired to enjoy the park through smell, touch, sound and through reading."

Eagle coordinator Ken Stephenson said that working on an Eagle project is not easy. Candidates have to first come up with an idea that meets a need for the community. They then spend a minimum of 100 hours in planning and carrying out their projects. Everything must be approved by committees on several levels.

"It's not easy fulfilling the requirements, but the point is to create something they can be proud of, to learn to overcome all obstacles in meeting their goal and to build leadership," he said.

"Alex is an outstanding Scout and he worked hard on his project," Stephenson said. "He will do fine in life."

Sandkuhl has been in Scouts since he was 7 and a Boy Scout with Troop 135 since age 11. He is a junior at East Lake High School and a varsity football player. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a National Rifle Association Junior Distinguished Marksman. He also enjoys electric guitar and harmonica.

Visitors to the park were excited about the trail. Janet Pschak of East Lake Woodlands, who walks daily at the park, thought the idea of a trail for the visually impaired was wonderful.

"This park is so beautiful," she said. "Now more people will be able to enjoy it."

John Chesnut Sr. Park, 2200 East Lake Road, is 2 miles north of Tampa Road and 5 miles south of Keystone Road. Follow the cable along the Peggy Park Trail to enjoy the Braille checkpoints for the visually impaired.

[Last modified March 27, 2005, 00:34:19]