Sensory trail coming to Buck Creek Park

Published 3:51 pm Tuesday, September 3, 2019

ALABASTER – An interactive sensory trail for individuals with specials needs and multiple disabilities is soon coming to Buck Creek Park, said Angel Warriors Foundation founder Jamia Alexander-Williams.

On Friday, Aug. 30, Williams unveiled one of 14 activity stations that will be placed on the trail. City Council President Scott Brakefield, city administrator Brian Binzer, Alabaster City Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers, Rep. April Weaver, Rep. Matt Fridy and Sen. Cam Ward were in attendance, as well as representatives from Cawaco, which provided funding for the project.

Williams said this project is important because there isn’t currently a place in Shelby County for these individuals to enjoy. It is vital that individuals with special needs and multiple disabilities feel like they are included in the community and can take part in activities like typical individuals, Williams added.

The trail will include a giant wind chime, a shapes station, a planter for seasonal herbs, a rock climbing wall, a music wall and several other interaction stations. Williams expects all the stations, which will be wheelchair accessible, to be placed on the trail by November.

“This project means more to me and the Angel Warriors Foundation than you all will ever know,” Williams said. “Thank you for making this dream come true. This will benefit not only our community, but the entire Shelby County community.”

The project is being funded in part by a $5,000 grant from Cawaco, non-profit agency dedicated to the enjoyment, education, enhancement and protection of natural resources.

“This project was brought to our attention by Sen. Cam Ward,” said Drayton Cosby with Cawaco. “We rely on our state legislators to help us locate projects like this that we can help with.”

Weaver said the city of Alabaster is lucky to have Williams because she is an asset to the community.

“Turning dreams into reality is what Jamia does,” Fridy added. “I’m just excited to be a part of it.”