Southwind Park Urban Trail

The trail features 2.5 miles of concrete and paved paths, making it largely flat and easily navigable. This design ensures it is wheelchair-accessible and suitable for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Absolutely! The trail is rated as easy and is designed to be highly accessible for hikers and walkers of all ages and abilities, including families with young children and individuals with disabilities. Its flat, paved surface makes it very beginner-friendly.

The trail offers diverse scenery and unique attractions. You can enjoy a stocked lake with accessible fishing piers, five distinct sensory gardens (including an Enabling Garden and a Butterfly Garden), and wetlands. Don't miss the fully accessible Treeless Treehouse and the Selvaggio Arches, which feature a nightly sound-and-light show.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trail. However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all park visitors.

The trail is enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer allows for full enjoyment of the sensory gardens. Even in winter, the paved paths can be accessible, though conditions may vary. The Selvaggio Arches' sound-and-light show is best experienced after dusk.

No, there are no permits required, and there is no entrance fee to access Southwind Park or its urban trail. It is free and open to the public.

Southwind Park offers ample free parking for visitors. You can find parking lots conveniently located near the main entrances, providing easy access to the trailheads.

The entire loop is approximately 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) long. Most visitors can comfortably complete the trail in about 35 minutes, depending on their pace and how often they stop to enjoy the park's features.

Yes, Southwind Park is well-equipped with facilities. You'll find accessible fishing piers, a gazebo, and Erin's Pavilion, which is a Platinum LEED certified building. The park also features emergency call stations and 'You are here' maps for navigation.

Southwind Park is designed 'without boundaries,' exceeding ADA compliance. The concrete trail includes built-in directional guides and a color-coded wayfinding system to assist individuals with cognitive disabilities. All features, including the fishing piers and the Treeless Treehouse, are fully accessible.

Yes, the park incorporates several eco-friendly designs. You'll find wetlands, a wind turbine, solar panels, and a geothermal system. Erin's Pavilion, a central building in the park, is notably Platinum LEED certified.