Public invited to Kinnikinnik Park ADA Trail Ribbon Cutting
Published on March 13, 2025
Los Alamos County Community Services Department will host a special ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the Kinnikinnik Park ADA Trail on Tuesday, March 25 at 1 p.m. at the Kinnikinnik Park Trailhead at the Aquatic Center (2760 Canyon Rd, Los Alamos).
The Kinnikinnik Park Loop trail plan and design improvements encompassed a .25-mile section of existing trail, converting the area using ADA Certified crusher fine trail utilizing U.S. Forest Service Standards. The main goal was to reduce any barriers that individuals with disabilities may encounter when enjoying the trail.
After significant challenges finding a contractor willing to bid on the project, Los Alamos County Parks and Open Space Division made the decision to self-perform and contract out half of the trail project. Challenges included widening the trail from the current single track to an ADA standard trail. Staff spent the month of October 2024 hauling large quantities of rock and fill dirt to bring the trail to an appropriate grade, before adding the ADA approved crusher fine (trail material).
Some ADA approved trail characteristic improvements include:
- Clear tread width of the trail is at least 36 inches.
- Passing spaces of 60 inches and resting intervals are provided.
- Surface, including resting intervals and passing spaces, is firm and stable.
- Running slope of any segment of a trail is not steeper than 1:8 (12%).
The completed project meets standards for trail design and construction best practices requirements for accessible trails as outlined by the U.S. Access Board Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and with the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act 1994 and 2010. Since the trail has been opened, CSD has already seen a 25% increase in patron usage.
The project utilized a grant from New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Grant Division to help fund the approximate .25-mile accessible trail and installation of some interpretative signage. This project supports the Los Alamos County Council's Strategic Goal of Quality of Life, Strategic Objective of Inclusion, Access and Belonging and implementation of the Community Services Department's Integrated Master Plan.
The public is encouraged to join staff for a walk along the trail and light refreshments following the ribbon-cutting celebration.
