FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Montgomery County Tourism Grant Expands Accessibility at Bellinger�s Orchard

FONDA- Every fall at Bellinger's Orchard, Ken Coyne gives hay wagon rides through the fields. But one particular ride this season stood out. When the wagon returned, the crowd cheered. For some of the riders, it was their first time experiencing this beloved autumn tradition.

That experience is exactly what Bellinger's Orchard hopes to make possible for more visitors. The orchard was recently awarded funding through Montgomery County's Tourism Infrastructure Grant Program to purchase a new low-profile, wheelchair-accessible hay wagon.

The new wagon is helping Bellinger's Orchard make its hayrides more accessible to visitors of all abilities, opening the experience to people who may not have been able to participate in the past.

The new wagon will allow individuals with disabilities, older adults and those with temporary mobility limitations to participate in hay wagon rides through the orchard.

"Our agricultural community provides some incredible experiences for residents and visitors, and we want to make sure those experiences are accessible to as many people as possible," Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman said. "This investment will allow more families and visitors to enjoy a hayride, take in the views and experience everything Bellinger's Orchard has to offer."

During the fall season, Bellinger's Orchard provides hay wagon rides through its orchards for customers picking apples and visitors looking to enjoy the scenic views of Montgomery County.

The orchard's previous hay wagon was built approximately 20 years ago and was not designed to accommodate visitors with mobility limitations. Over the years, Bellinger's Orchard has welcomed children from Liberty, older adults and individuals recovering from surgery. While staff worked to accommodate guests whenever possible, the design of the existing wagon presented limitations.

"We're excited for the rest of apple season and can't wait to see all the smiling faces enjoying our new accessible hay wagon. Most importantly, we're looking forward to bringing more families along for the ride at Bellinger's Orchard," Coyne said. "We're grateful to be able to make this experience more accessible for everyone who visits Bellinger's Orchard."

The new low-profile design will significantly improve access and allow Bellinger's Orchard to better accommodate visitors with a range of mobility needs.

The Tourism Infrastructure Grant Program was created by Montgomery County to support physical improvements that attract visitors from outside the county and enhance the experience of those already visiting Montgomery County. The program supports projects that demonstrate a clear benefit to tourism by improving access, amenities and facilities for visitors, including bikers, boaters, trail users and heritage tourists.

The new hay wagon will be available during Bellinger's Orchard's fall season, giving more residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a hayride through the orchard, take in the fall scenery and experience one of the region's longstanding agricultural traditions.

For more information about tourism opportunities and attractions in Montgomery County, visit VisitMontgomeryCountyNY.com.

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