Telling the story of Marylands Farm Park in Indiana provided the perfect opportunity to feature artist, historian, and urban farmer Alison Adams on the historic 10-acre homestead she donated to the township. As part of a property that comprised the very first farm in New Haven, the park plans to show future generations a glimpse of what 1800s farm life was like. An education center, wooded nature trails, and sensory trail will highlight Indiana’s rural farm heritage with special attention given to accessibility for all persons, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural environment and distinctive features they may not experience anywhere else.
One goal was to make sure the digital experience was as accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities as the physical experience.
In telling the story of Marylands Farm Park, a couple of major goals needed to be accomplished. The first was to help raise sufficient contributions to move forward with planning and development in order to begin receiving visitors. The second was to make sure the digital experience was as accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities as the physical experience—helping to convey the special nature of the park and attract the next generation of people to appreciate Indiana’s farming heritage.
With these two goals in mind, we engaged Ruh Global Impact’s disability inclusion strategists to help evaluate our site design and ensure we were meeting industry accessibility standards. In addition to the website, our pro bono efforts included branding for the park, presentation materials to the township board of directors, promotional items to raise awareness and funds for park development, and a promotional video to help convey the special features and future vision for the park.
After an initial open house to launch Marylands Farm Park to the local town, New Haven-Adams Township Parks & Recreation Department has created a groundswell in the community. It has raised generous contributions, securing funding for the first phase of the park and the preservation of an irreplaceable piece of Indiana’s rural heritage.
“We realize that all the work BNO does makes a difference, but your impact here was personal and permanent.”
Barbara Crosby – Volunteer Project Leader, Marylands Farm Park
