On June 13, the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve celebrated California State Parks Week by hosting All Are Welcome: Celebrating Accessibility at the Tijuana Estuary. The event highlighted several recent accessibility improvements at the reserve, including the launch of a new NaviLens way-finding and interpretation system.
Seventy-seven people attended, exceeding expectations for what might be considered a niche event. Attendees included members of the blind, low-vision, deaf, and neurodivergent communities. Throughout the day, visitors participated in guided nature walks with American Sign Language interpretation, tested the NaviLens system, learned about new accessibility resources, and explored the reserve. The turnout was a powerful reminder that these kinds of opportunities are needed and that many people are eager for outdoor spaces where they feel welcomed, included, and supported.
About a year ago, docent Ron Peterson approached staff with an idea for making the estuary easier to navigate for blind and low-vision visitors using assistive technology. After losing his vision while volunteering at the estuary, Ron became passionate about improving accessibility so others could explore the reserve more independently. Earlier this year, the interpretation team began working on the project with Ron and students from the University of San Diego’s Engineering Exchange for Social Justice initiative.
Today, visitors can use the free NaviLens app to follow a self-guided tour along North McCoy Trail and learn about native plants near the Visitor Center. The system uses colorful codes that can be detected by a smartphone camera from a distance, allowing users to receive audio directions and interpretive information as they move through the reserve.
The event also highlighted several other accessibility initiatives completed over the past year, including trail maintenance projects to improve access, sensory kits available for checkout at the Visitor Center, and a social narrative designed to help neurodivergent visitors know what to expect before arriving.
While the technology was exciting to demonstrate, the most meaningful part of the day was watching people connect with one another and with the estuary. Deaf attendees gathered in conversation with American Sign Language interpreters, visitors shared experiences, and new connections formed throughout the day. More than anything, there was a sense that people felt welcomed, included, and free to participate fully as themselves.
The project is far from finished. Over the coming year, we plan to expand the system with additional interpretive content, including videos featuring American Sign Language interpretation. But the event felt like an important milestone and a reminder that accessibility is about more than removing barriers. It’s about creating opportunities for more people to experience, enjoy, and build a connection with California’s natural and cultural resources.