January 2011
Accessible Golf Cars and Accessible Exercise Equipment
The last chance for testimony on the development of a regulation governing accessible golf cars (or single rider golf cars) and accessible exercise equipment was January 11 in San Francisco. But comment can still be made.
Do you have an opinion? If your agency operates a golf course or a fitness center you should. Accessible golf cars are commercially available and accessible exercise equipment is too. Share your thoughts with the Department of Justice by January 24, 2011 at this link: http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=DOJ-CRT-2010-0008-0001.
Warren Township Access Audit
The Warren Township in Gurnee, Illinois retained RAC for the mandated 35.105 access audit and transition plan. Our staff started some work for the Township and will begin audits in earnest in February.
NRPA Online Chat
The National Recreation and Parks Association conducted an online chat about access issues on January 12. John McGovern of RAC was the speaker. Look for more opportunities like this through NRPA and RAC.
Illinois Parks and Recreation Conference
The Illinois conference is coming soon. The W-T and RAC exhibit booth will be open Thursday, January 27 and Friday, January 28. Stop by and see us at booth 206!
City of Tempe, Arizona Swimming Facility Audits
The City of Tempe retained RAC to complete site audits of the City’s three swimming facilities. RAC staff will visit Tempe in mid-January and reports will be provided to the City shortly thereafter.
Athletic Business Magazine Interview
Athletic Business magazine interviewed RAC President John McGovern on the implications of the new Title II and Title III policies, and the 2010 Standards, for public and private recreation agencies. Look for the interview in the February or March edition of AB.
The 2010 Standards
We continue to get many questions about the application of the 2010 Standards to existing sites. We urge parks and recreation agencies to be proactive. The 2010 Standards are more complete and more technologically current. We urge agencies to use this and to require design professionals to use this as well.
March 15 of 2012 is only 14 months away. That’s when we all have no choice on this and must follow the 2010 Standards. These are here to stay.
Colorado Parks and Recreation Association
On February 18, 2011 RAC President John McGovern will be the featured speaker for a day of training for parks and recreation staff on the ADA. He’ll cover 90 minutes on policies, 90 minutes on programs, and 3 hours on the recreation elements of the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design. Need a speaker for an agency in-service or state conference? Call John at 224/293-6451 or email him at john.mcgovern@rac-llc.com.
Park Ridge Recreation and Park District
The Park Ridge Recreation and Park District in Illinois retained RAC for the mandated 35.105 access audit of sites and facilities. Terry Wolf, the District’s lead employee in this project, said “We have kept current in new projects and know it is important to look at all facilities and parks from an access perspective. We look forward to the report.”