A few weeks back, we highlighted the great work the Town of Sudbury, Massachusetts, is doing to upgrade their school parks to make them more accessible to children with disabilities.

The subject of improving parks to make them more accessible to all is a hot topic right now. The City of Moscow, Idaho, is surveying their community to help planners select new playground equipment that will exceed federal ADA standards. The City is taking this significant step to ensure its parks meet the needs of children with disabilities.

But creating accessible parks goes beyond serving the needs of children, it also extends to adults with disabilities. In Aurora, Illinois, the City is using a variety of funding sources to make its RiverEdge Park, a major music venue in the region, more accessible by adding better parking, accessible shuttles, and 60 ADA compatible companion seats.

Recreation and park accessibility initiatives are rapidly moving to the forefront of public efforts. Despite what some may think, parks and recreation programs do not escape ADA requirements. Accessible and inclusive parks must be a part of all transition plans and future community enhancement planning.

Sources:
Moscow seeks input on playground equipment
Staff, The Lewiston Tribune
February 10, 2019
https://lmtribune.com/northwest/moscow-seeks-input-on-playground-equipment/article_26473bcc-fc34-5c0b-839c-14b42d6b2fd3.html

Aurora seeks grant to make RiverEdge Park more accessible for people with disabilities
Steve Lord, The Beacon-News
February 14, 2019
https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/aurora-beacon-news/news/ct-abn-aurora-grant-st-0215-story.html