Buffalo State receives SUNY Outdoors for All grant to increase accessibility of outdoor activities
State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John B. King Jr. recently announced the recipients of SUNY’s Outdoors for All program, an initiative designed to connect students and New Yorkers of all backgrounds with outdoor activities. Through this program, 14 SUNY campuses will each receive grants of up to $8,000 to support projects that promote sustainability, accessibility, wellness, and community development.
The grants will support the development of new outdoor programming, improvements to outdoor learning and recreational spaces, and the purchase of equipment and supplies to encourage students to engage with nature. The program is intended to increase participation in outdoor activities both on and off campus while creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces for students. Outdoors for All also encourages connections between co-circular activities with academic and career paths in sustainability.
“There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and we are proud of our work to ensure our students have access to engaging, hands-on learning experiences in the outdoors that bring students together and build community,” King said. “SUNY’s Outdoors for All grant program demonstrates how our campuses are leading the way in enhancing outdoor learning opportunities for our students and increasing access to outdoor spaces.”
Buffalo State will use the funding for its new Bengals Biking Buffalo program, which will make bicycling a more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable way for students to enjoy outdoor spaces around campus. The program will provide students with opportunities to learn basic biking skills in a safe, supportive environment while building the confidence to ride on local pathways. Whether using biking as a hobby or mode of transportation, cycling offers students a way to experience more of what Buffalo State has to offer outside the classroom.
“Our goal is to make bicycling a lasting part of the Buffalo State experience,” said Mary Perelli, Buffalo State associate sustainability coordinator. “Bengals Biking Buffalo is designed to meet students where they are, whether they are learning to ride for the first time, borrowing a bicycle, or building their confidence on local trails. Buffalo State is uniquely situated for outdoor exploration. By combining bicycle access, hands-on learning, safety education, and group rides, we hope to build a campus culture where students feel comfortable getting outside and exploring their surroundings.”
Additionally, access to biking paths can give Buffalo State students more opportunities to explore the city of Buffalo and its community.
“With Delaware Park right across the street and an extensive network of trails, parks, and waterfront destinations nearby, students have incredible opportunities to experience nature in an urban environment,” Perelli said. “This grant gives us an opportunity to establish a program that can continue benefiting Buffalo State for years to come.”
Photo by Buffalo State Marketing & Communications.
