ADA AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN PARKS AND RECREATION : Accessibility Audit of City Central Park Walker, MI Kim M. Frost, Access Specialist Disability Advocates of Kent County 6/25/2013 Photo courtesy Marylu Dykstra, Disability Advocates of Kent County. Frank Wash Community Development Director City of Walker 4243 Remembrance Rd. NW Walker, MI 49534 June 25, 2013 RE: Accessibility Audit and Training, City Central Park, Walker Dear Mr. Wash: Our audit of City Central Park, conducted on June 5, 2013, along with our evaluation and recommendations, are complete. The audit evaluated park facilities and infrastructure based on the technical requirements found in the Americans with Disabilities Act, along with Universal Design principles for barrier free access. For each type of facility audited, the report contains all of the applicable technical requirements and standards, a discussion of methodology, observations of current conditions, and recommendations for improvements. Appendices to the report contain the full technical guidelines, proposed technical guidelines used in evaluation, and several additional useful evaluation tools. I am pleased that DAKC could participate in the continued improvement of Walker parks and recreation facilities. If you have any questions, please contact me at (616) 949- 1100 ext 257, or via email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Kim Frost Access Specialist Disability Advocates of Kent County CONTENTS Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 5 Background ................................................................................................................. 5 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 6 Summary ......................................................................................................................... 7 Walking Paths ................................................................................................................. 8 Requirements and Standards ...................................................................................... 9 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................... 9 Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................... 12 Existing Facilities ....................................................................................................... 17 Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 21 Trail Amenities ....................................................................................................... 22 Curb Ramps ........................................................................................................... 24 Sidewalks ............................................................................................................... 24 Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 26 Bathrooms ..................................................................................................................... 28 Requirements and Standards .................................................................................... 28 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................. 28 Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................... 28 Walker Ice and Fitness Center .................................................................................. 46 Existing Facilities .................................................................................................... 46 Recommendations ................................................................................................. 53 Park Restrooms ......................................................................................................... 57 Parking Lots .................................................................................................................. 59 Requirements and Standards .................................................................................... 59 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................. 59 Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................... 59 Existing Facilities and Recommendations ................................................................. 60 Courts and Play Fields .................................................................................................. 62 Requirements and Standards .................................................................................... 62 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................. 62 Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................... 62 Tennis and Baseball .................................................................................................. 62 Inline Rink .................................................................................................................. 63 Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer ............................................................................. 64 Wetlands Features ........................................................................................................ 65 Requirements and Standards .................................................................................... 65 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................. 65 Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................... 65 Existing Facilities and Recommendations ................................................................. 66 Playgrounds .................................................................................................................. 67 Requirements and Standards .................................................................................... 67 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................. 67 Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................... 67 Existing Facilities and Recommendations ................................................................. 71 Way-finding ................................................................................................................... 72 Requirements and Standards .................................................................................... 73 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................. 73 Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................... 73 Existing Facilities and Recommendations ................................................................. 74 Other ............................................................................................................................. 76 Requirements and Standards .................................................................................... 76 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................. 76 Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................... 76 Existing Facilities and Recommendations ................................................................. 78 WIFC Lighting ........................................................................................................ 78 WIFC Doors ........................................................................................................... 78 Picnic Tables .......................................................................................................... 78 Drinking Fountains ................................................................................................. 78 Concessions .......................................................................................................... 79 Parking Berms........................................................................................................ 79 Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 79 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 80 1. Communication Plan ................................................................................................. 80 2. Press Release Messaging ......................................................................................... 81 Messaging points: ...................................................................................................... 81 1. City of Walker Parks and Recreation Facilities Enhancements Demonstrate the Value of Accessibility for All. ................................................................................. 81 2. City of Walker Parks and Recreation is all about making things usable to all people, whatever their abilities.