Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation installs braille & tactile signs at River Heritage Park

Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) has installed interpretative signage that includes braille and tactile graphics at River Heritage Park, 11813 River Road. The 10 new interpretative signs have been installed along the White Tail Loop trail and will help enhance the park experience for everyone.

Braille is a system of raised dots representing numbers, letters, and symbols. Tactile graphics refer to 3D shapes, textures, and symbols that provide a tactile representation of visual information. Including both braille and tactile graphics on interpretative signage will help deepen park-goers’ understanding and appreciation of their natural surroundings.

Photo provided by CCPR

In June 2001, River Heritage Park was dedicated as “Everyone’s Playground,” where individuals of all abilities could play and explore. This park sparked CCPR’s focus on making accessibility the standard for all parks utilizing Universal Design, which ensures spaces are intentionally designed for accessibility. When River Heritage Park was reimagined in 2022, CCPR outfitted the park with a new inclusive playground that is wheelchair accessible and a looping 1.23-mile immersive nature trail that overlooks the White River and is wheelchair friendly.

In August of 2024, CCPR installed a communication board at River Heritage Park, a device that displays symbols and illustrations to help those with limited language skills express and share their emotions and needs non-verbally.

“Bringing this tactile approach to interpretive displays will allow all community members to learn about and enjoy the rich natural resources in our community,” PNR Director Michael Allen said. “We hope to continue adding more inclusive elements to River Heritage Park and other CCPR properties in the future.”