44 Environmental Geoscience (Posters)

Wednesday, 11 March 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
RCC, Lower Level Hall

Efforts to develop impactful improvements for in-park accessible infrastructure development in the Red River Gorge Geological Area, Kentucky

Paper number: 44-0
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

Data from various sources indicate that for the state of Kentucky, 17.9% of the population has a disability while other sources suggest the rate might be as high as 1 in 3 people in the state. A recent study also indicates that for adults in Kentucky, 5.5% have an independent living disability while 7.7% have a self-care disability. Kentucky is also well recognized as a state with extensive outdoor recreation areas. A broad problem exists in many park and natural area settings nationally, where there is a lack of in-park accessible infrastructure which is a barrier to some. In an effort to assess and improve in-park accessible infrastructure development in the Red River Gorge Geological Area in Kentucky, preliminary efforts have focused on physical surveys of portions of the Sheltowee Trace trail in Red River Gorge Geological Area, Kentucky. This area has been identified as a viable area for in-park accessible infrastructure improvement that is likely low cost, would be visited frequently and has a recognized significance in Red River Gorge. To most effectively design in-park accessible infrastructure, a meaningful survey for the disabled community in Kentucky is required. This survey is being carefully designed to address broad questions such as: “How does the Kentucky disabled community feel about Red River Gorge and its development?”, “What are the critical features required to maximize access and overall enjoyment of the Sheltowee Trace trail?”, and “What should be prioritized in development efforts?”, as well as an open feedback question. As some of the disabled community may not know or be able to experience Red River Gorge, this survey will be unique in that it will have a brief educational component including existing literature and images of areas recognized to need improvement. A refined draft of the developing questionnaire will be presented for comment and input from the broad geoscience community to be solicited to be inclusive of multiple perspectives. Feedback will then be integrated into the final survey to be submitted for IRB approval. The survey will be sent out electronically to different organizations in Kentucky, including businesses near the Red River Gorge Geological Area. Ultimately a summary report on needs and opinions will result from this work and be submitted to interested stakeholders. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026SE-411617

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