RANDOLPH — New Directions Youth and Family Services, Inc. was awarded $28,500 from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Fund for Design and Access administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.

The award is being used to develop 2.1 miles of trail on agency property in Randolph.

“We are grateful and extend our thanks to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds for investing in our youth and our project”, said James W. Coder, chief executive officer. “A child who gains confidence biking on a wooded trail or comes to appreciate the beauty of winter while cross-country skiing, also learns to utilize the outdoors for physical exercise and personal renewal, creating a foundation for healthy, lifelong activities”.

The multi-use trail gives youth access to a variety of activities with the desired outcome of introducing youth to the outdoors as a way of gaining skills and overcoming challenges. The trail is designed for year-round use for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

“The trail opens up many opportunities”, said Mark Wickerham, director of Randolph residential and community based programs. “Children on our Randolph Campus and southern tier programs have the opportunity to try a variety of activities — some for the very first time. The trail is available for families visiting youth on our campus, small group counseling sessions, and youth team building activities”.

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes.