TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file the recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the development of universally accessible playgrounds. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In September 2004, the City Council requested that the Department of Parks,
Recreation and Marine examine the feasibility of developing universally accessible
playgrounds in new parks and incorporate elements of universally accessible
playgrounds into projects currently under design or planned for the future. The staff
reported back to the City Council, on November 9, 2004, and the City Council referred
the issue to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Citizens Advisory
Commission on Disabilities (CACOD).
The Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Committee of the Parks and Recreation
Commission held five meetings in January 2005 to obtain public input on universally
accessible playgrounds. The meetings were held at Houghton Park, Bixby Park,
Silverado Park, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and El Dorado Park, respectively. Thirty-six
adults and six children attended one or more of the meetings.
On March 14, 2005, Parks, Recreation and Marine Department staff met with Brad
Thornton and Tiffany Harris of "Shane's Inspiration" to gain insight into the development
and fundraising processes for universally accessible playgrounds. Shane's Inspiration
is a recognized expert in designing and fundraising for universally accessible
playgrounds. On April 1, 2005, the CIP Committee met with the CACODs Youth
Committee and staff to formulate recommendations for presentation to the Parks and
Recreation Commission.
Need for Universatlv Accessible Plavnrounds
By the conclusion of the current fiscal year, all 44 of the playgrounds in the City's parks
will be compliant with the standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA). However, ADA compliance does not ensure that the playgrounds are totally
accessible and fully integrated for disabled children. There are currently 7,600 di...
Click here for full text