SMALL BUSINESSES SUPPORT THE ANT

This exquisite schematic design is the work of the amazing team at in.site: architecture (isa), Perry, NY.

Station renderings are a collaborative effort of isa, Trowbridge Wolf Michaels Landscape Architects, Earthplay, and Autism Level UP!

 The Trailhead Pavilion serves a dual purpose, marking both the entry and exit for The ANT. Orientation materials available at the start of the Trail provide an optimum experience during every visit.  On the entrance side, a rain chain attracts the visitor’s attention, while offering a soothing and inviting gateway to the Trail.

  The Sensory Station captivates all of a visitor's senses in a quiet and individualized way. Collections of leaves, moss, acorns, pinecones, bark, vines, seed pods, even animal fur and fossils are available for up-close inspection, handling and smelling. Listening tubes allow visitors to listen for the sounds of the forest -- the wind in the trees, singing birds, chattering squirrels.

  The Sunshine Slope, a gentle maze in a sun-filled, natural opening in the woods, weaves a wide walkway through mounds of various woodland plantings of different heights. A viewing platform at the pinnacle provides a vantage point from which visitors can peer deeply into the woods or look backward from where they have come, perhaps gaining a new understanding of spatial relationships before beginning the short route back to the main Trail.

  The Music Circle is named for its location within a circular grove of pines. Visitors can experiment with nature-inspired instruments while being in control of sound creation and volume. A "stage" is adjacent to the space where instruments ring the area, positioned so that collaboration among individuals is possible and encouraged. Two Alone Zones give visitors a chance to compose themselves without having to leave the station.

The Curiosity Corner is a space open to interpretation. Ant forms composed of boulder arrangements invite visitors to touch (or even hug), and smaller stones offer opportunities for stacking or sorting or ordering. A glider provides the opportunity for gentle, soothing movement. The full story of the Corner is not yet told and depends on the imagination of all who enjoy it!

  The Reflection Knoll offers a quiet place under a canopy of trees to listen to nature and to reflect about the natural world. At this half-way point on the Trail, visitors may make the decision to move on, go back the way they came or end the exploration by taking the cut-through back to the Trailhead Pavilion.

  The Meadow Run & Climb is a dedicated space for running, jumping, climbing, balancing, and testing strength, coordination, flexibility and confidence. New earthworks rise into berms via a running/walking path or log stairs before emptying into an open field. Native plantings grow and change the scene throughout the seasons, and an obstacle course follows in a zig-zag formation.

  The Design Zone taps into visitors’ ability to manipulate both large and small natural materials. This hands-on space encourages imagination and critical thinking, using items to create patterns, structures and “whole worlds!”

  The Playful Path honors the joy of just being in the woods. Along this last stretch of the Trail is a series of twisting paths covered in different surface materials (log rounds, large and small stones, sand). Each path can be navigated in a novel way, using a variety of motor skills.

  The Nook, set under a gorgeous natural canopy, offers a place to pause and regroup before ending the Trail experience at the Celebration Station. Teachers, parents and group leaders will appreciate the carefully spaced seating which provides the opportunity to listen to instructions about exiting The ANT. 

 The Celebration Station, located on the exit side of the Trailhead Pavilion, marks the end of the Trail journey that has provided challenges, new experiences and -- perhaps -- a new sense of confidence. Visitors are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings about the Trail by writing or drawing. The message "I was here and I have a voice" allows each individual to "own" the experience of The ANT.