Paul Smith's College Receives Grant to Enhance Accessibility at Visitor Interpretive Center
Smart Growth funding supports accessible outdoor experiences in the Adirondacks
PAUL SMITHS, N.Y. (03/12/2026) — Paul Smith's College has received a $35,264 grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Program to support a comprehensive accessibility assessment of the College's Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), a cornerstone recreational and educational destination serving Franklin County and the greater Adirondack region.
Located on the College's campus, the Paul Smith's College VIC welcomes over 40,000 people each year, including students, athletes, community members, and visitors. The surrounding property features miles of trails that are used for accessing nature, recreation, and athletics training. Since 2024, the VIC has hosted the annual Adirondack Nature Festival for People with Disabilities, highlighting the Center's importance in supporting inclusive outdoor experiences.
"We thank New York State for funding this critical project in the Adirondack Park," said Paul Smith's College President Dan Kelting. "The VIC is not just a destination-it's a classroom, a training center, and a space for connecting with nature. This assessment will help us create an environment where students can gain hands-on experience in accessible recreation and environmental stewardship, while also serving as a welcoming hub for the entire community."
The accessibility assessment will review both indoor and outdoor spaces at the VIC to identify opportunities for projects that will make it more welcoming, inclusive, and navigable for people of all ages and abilities. As part of the project, improvements will be identified for the Barnum Brook Trail, a flagship trail that will be improved to serve as a regional model for accessible outdoor recreation.
Once complete, the College will be well-positioned to pursue future projects that establish the VIC as a regional leader in accessible, year-round outdoor recreation-ensuring that every visitor and student, regardless of ability, can safely and fully experience the beauty and learning opportunities of the Adirondack Park.
About Paul Smith's College:
At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith's provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.
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Heron Marsh from the Barnum Brook trail at the Paul Smith's College VIC.