Join Rice Creek Field Station and Rice Creek Associates in celebrating the opening of the new Purple Accessible Trail! Designed to promote inclusive access to nature, this 0.6-mile trail features gentle slopes and stable, flat surfaces of packed stone dust and boardwalks. Meeting U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines, the Purple Trail is suitable for many people who use wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers, and provides an enhanced experience for everyone. All are welcome at the event.

Event Schedule

• 3 p.m. - Brief remarks from SUNY Oswego staff, Rice Creek Associates, and SUNY Oswego students
• 3:25 p.m. (approximately) - Ribbon cutting
• 3:30–5 p.m. - Guided and unguided trail experiences, live music (Rose and the Amateurs), light refreshments, and a make-and-take craft
  • 3:45 p.m. - Guided Story Trail reading with Oswego Public Library Director Luke Connor. Enjoy the trail as we read the children's story Outside In.
  • 4:15 p.m. - Guided nature experience with Rice Creek Naturalist Kristen Moore. This inclusive experience will incorporate multiple senses to observe and appreciate nature.

Trail Attractions

Attendees can enjoy several attractions along the Purple Trail:

• Read a picture book as you enjoy the trail—thanks to Oswego Public Library's new Story Walk installation
• Learn about amphibians and reptiles that call Rice Creek home through QR-code signs spaced along the trail, designed by student Julia Ryan
• Participate in a guided trail experience (see times above)

Parking and Transportation

Because parking at Rice Creek Field Station is limited, those coming from campus are kindly asked to use the Centro Green Route bus if possible, with convenient stops at these locations:

• Marano Campus Center (timed stop: bus leaves exactly on the half hour and arrives at Rice Creek 11 minutes later. Take the 2 or 2:30 p.m. bus to arrive in time for the start of the event)
• Sheldon Ave and Takamine Rd stop, in front of the Mackin Complex (approximate arrival times: 1:52 p.m., 2:22 p.m., and every half hour after; not a timed stop, so please arrive early)
• Rudolph St and Centennial Dr stop, between Riggs and Waterbury Halls (approximate arrival times: 1:54 p.m., 2:24 p.m., and every half hour after; not a timed stop, so please arrive early)
• Centennial Dr stop, between Shineman and Marano Campus Center (approximate arrival times: 1:55 p.m., 2:25 p.m., and every half hour after; not a timed stop, so please arrive early)
• Washington Blvd and Sheldon Ave stop, across from Sheldon Hall (approximate arrival times: 2:02 p.m., 2:32 p.m., and every half hour after; not a timed stop, so please arrive early)
• Laker Hall (timed stop: 2:05 p.m., 2:35 p.m., and every half hour after)

Limited free parking is available at the field station. Those with an accessible parking pass are encouraged to reserve a space by emailing rcfs@oswego.edu, so we can ensure to flag extra spaces as needed for this event.

Accessibility

Rice Creek's main building and parking areas are ADA accessible. Those with an accessible parking pass are encouraged to reserve a space by emailing rcfs@oswego.edu, so we can ensure to flag extra spaces as needed for this event. The Purple Trail is built to Architectural Barriers Act/U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines; please note that these are not the same as ADA guidelines (e.g., up to 12% slopes are allowed on trails, versus 8.3% for ADA ramps). Please reach out to us at rcfs@oswego.edu or (315) 312-6677 for questions or to inquire about accommodations. We would be happy to work with you.