A decade-long tradition of winter solstice walks at Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island took on a new spin at its first Stroll & Roll event Jan. 3.

About 40 people, many of whom require mobility aids, enjoyed a meditative evening of reflection in the gardens. They strolled, rolled and walked on a paved route through the Reserve to the historic Bloedel Residence, guided only by lights on the path and the lanterns in their hands.

Kaslin Daniels, director of horticulture and design at Bloedel, organized the event in partnership with members of Kitsap County’s disabled community.

Daniels expressed excitement at the prospect of further programming for the mobility-impaired community in the gardens. Stroll-and-Rolls are a great way to start, she explained, because the low-impact event can support folks with all manner of ability differences — physical, visual, hearing or neurological — as well as anyone with a stroller and small children.

“We’re looking into ways we can increase the accessibility of Bloedel’s best features, like our hiking trails,” she said.

The event was part of a series of similar programs around the region geared toward the accessibility of outdoor spaces. Several members of Kitsap’s Accessible Communities Advisory Committee attended, including Ranae Beeker, Kris Colcock and Marsha Cutting, all of whom helped organize the event.

Often, organizations like Bloedel, parks districts, libraries and recreation centers partner with the committee, Beeker said, but oftentimes are unaware of modern innovations in mobility aids.

When the ACAC approached the Kingston Waterfront commissioners with suggestions to increase accessibility to the shoreline — such as a mobile beach mat, all-terrain chairs and a paved pathway — the commission had not heard of those options.

“Increasing mobility access is a net positive for everyone, because it brings us closer together as a community,” Daniels said. “This infrastructure and the mechanisms of promoting access for all is so important. We know the great positive effects of being outside in nature, in our beautiful surroundings, are many.”

The walk culminated in a small gathering at the Bloedel family residence, decorated for the holiday season.