Trinity Grace Farm: Explore the Great Outdoors
Do You Know Trinity Grace Farm?
Opening Up the Outdoors for All Abilities in Northeast Tennessee
Trinity Grace Farm is a unique haven for people with differing abilities in Northeast Tennessee. Spread across 30 acres of picturesque rolling hills and woods, this nonprofit initiative offers inclusive outdoor experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities. Located in Washington County, Tennessee, Trinity Grace Farm creates a special space where everyone can enjoy the great outdoors, laugh, play, and make unforgettable memories.
What Is Trinity Grace Farm All About?
At its heart, Trinity Grace Farm is about inclusivity and access. In a region where accessible recreational spaces are limited, this place fills a crucial gap. With features like a petting zoo, an accessible treehouse, a sensory garden, and a fishing pond, the farm creates a playground of possibilities for those with special needs. These features aren't just functional—they're designed to bring joy and learning through experience, providing those "wow" and "aha" moments.
How Did It Begin?
The roots of Trinity Grace Farm trace back to a deeply personal connection. It was named after Trinity Grace, a granddaughter with Down syndrome who inspired its founders, Mary and James Miller, to turn their farmland into an oasis for special needs communities. The Millers' vision? Use the land not just as an investment but as a community treasure that serves special-needs children and adults.
From humble beginnings with no funds, the community's support has seen the farm flourish. Over the last five years, from donated excavating services to community fundraising, Trinity Grace Farm has grown, embodying a spirit of generosity and collaboration.
The Trinity Grace Farm Experience
Visitors to the farm, whether individuals or groups, come to embrace the outdoors in a setting that's both fun and safe. The farm supports not just individual family visits but also acts as a venue for organizations serving the differently abled, creating programs that integrate nature's gifts with engaging activities. For many, it's the first time they can fully engage with environments often taken for granted by others.
Building a Community
A core goal of Trinity Grace Farm lies in building community. Through collaboration with over 150 local organizations via its parent body, Summit Leadership Foundation, the farm links families with agencies and resources, turning a dream of inclusion into reality. Summit, a 501(c)3 public charity, believes that through connecting the right people and resources, communities grow stronger.
Trinity Grace Farm stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support its own. It's more than just a space; it's a movement toward inclusion, accessibility, and shared joy. While enjoying the vast beauty of Northeast Tennessee, visitors gain not just the pleasure of the landscape, but the deeper, enduring connections forged in a space created for everyone.
Company Snapshot: Trinity Grace Farm
Overview
- Mission: Create safe, accessible outdoor experiences for children, teens, and adults with differing abilities.
- Vision: Connect families and agencies serving differently abled individuals for community support and resources.
Location
- Address: Northeast Tennessee
- Size: 30 acres of rolling hills and woods
Unique Features
- Accessibility for individuals with varying abilities
- Petting zoo with small farm animals
- Accessible treehouse
- Sensory garden
- Fishing pond
Impact
- Serves approximately 77,500 people within a 25-mile radius
- Addresses the lack of ADA-accessible parks in Washington County, TN
- Part of Summit Leadership Foundation (501(c)3 established in 2004)
Goals
- Build community partnerships with organizations serving those with disabilities.
- Promote experiential learning through hands-on outdoor activities.
- Provide memorable experiences ("wow" and "aha" moments) for all visitors.
Recent Accomplishments
Successfully completed a fundraising initiative for:
- Parking area
- Entrance road with security gate
- Large storage building
Engagement
- Get Involved: Opportunities for volunteering and donations
- Contact Info: Contact Page
- News & Events: News Page
- About Us: About Page
- Donate: Donation Link
Frequently Asked Questions about Trinity Grace Farm
What does ADA accessible mean?
ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA accessible means a space or facility has been designed and built to meet the accessibility guidelines outlined in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design. These guidelines ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to and can comfortably navigate buildings, outdoor spaces, and other facilities. Features like ramps, accessible restrooms, wider doorways, and sensory-friendly elements are often incorporated to achieve ADA accessibility. While the article doesn't explicitly state that every feature at Trinity Grace Farm is ADA compliant, it emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility for people of all abilities, suggesting a strong commitment to these principles in its design and features like the accessible treehouse.
What volunteer opportunities are available at Trinity Grace Farm?
Trinity Grace Farm has grown through community support and collaboration. It also operates under the umbrella of the Summit Leadership Foundation, which connects with over 150 local organizations. There are many different ways to contribute to Trinity Grace Farm. Whether you're an accomplished arborist, a practiced painter, or a firewood fanatic, we'll put your time and talents to good use, for a good cause! Volunteer opportunities include:
- Arborist
- Expert chainsaw operator
- Tractor drivers (backhoe and hayrides)
- Construction (all types)
- Excavation and grading
- Painting
- Trail building and maintenance
- Landscaping
- Debris clearing
- Firewood (splitting and stacking)
- Hosts and tour guides
- Event helpers
Don't have the time or desire for manual labor? Break out your wallet and purchase one or more of our wish list items instead:
- Four-wheel-drive golf cart for transporting guests
- Accessible greenhouse (ADA-compliant)
- Hay wagon for hayrides
- Picnic tables
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