A New Look at An Old Subject: Animal Proof Garbage Cans and Access
A funny thing happened on a site audit this past week. We were in a community in a western state where bears regularly make their way into public parks, looking for leftovers from humans. The bear-resistant garbage and recycle cans are also difficult for a person with limited mobility to use. Leaning towards access, we “dinged” the garbage cans as noncompliant. Later, in looking at the DRAFT final guideline for outdoor developed areas published by the US Access Board, we noted that garbage cans with animal protective covers are exempted from the technical requirements. We confirmed this in a short but enjoyable conversation with Jennifer Skulski at the National Center on Accessibility in Bloomington, IN.
So…three things. First, garbage and recycle cans that must be bear proof are exempt. Second, between the 2010 Standards, state standards, Access Board draft final guidelines, and Access Board final guidelines, it never hurts to pause and refresh your memory. None of us knows everything in this arena. Third…call your friends. Jennifer is a friend of RAC just as RAC is a friend of Jennifer.
City of Reno Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Retains RAC
“We realize that March of 2012 is just around the corner and we want to get this right…” said Jeff Mann, Parks Supervisor for the City of Reno Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. The City retained RAC and we’ll train staff and audit sites with staff in mid-October. Staff will then, with our advice, complete access audits of the remaining sites. Congratulations to Reno for taking this important step.
Shelley Says
Have you ever had to use crutches for a period of time? Have you ever had such a bad ear ache that it affected your hearing briefly? If so you probably had a greater appreciation of your mobility and your hearing once you were back to full capacity. A group of golfers, out for a fun day of golf got that same opportunity. W-T and RAC sponsored the Illinois Association of Park Districts August 30 golf outing, hosted at the Orchard Valley Golf Course in Aurora. Thanks to the host as well as the St. Charles Park District for their loan of a single rider golf car, RAC tried something a little different.
On the 14th hole, golfers were asked to experience what it might be like to have limited strength and mobility by using an adapted set of golf clubs and drive off the tee using only one hand. Those brave enough also attempted their drive from the seat of the single rider golf car. The challenge presented was for the most accurate drive. While we ended up creating a bit of a back up at our hole and sending most of the golf balls into the water, once each golfer tried their drive, few were unaffected by the difficulty it presented.
Many times when we are out at sites completing our audits of facility and park amenities, we frequently get challenged with comments such as: I’ve never seen someone with a disability out here; no one with a disability would do this…etc. In some cases they may be correct, some things are much more difficult when attempted with a disability. However, our duty as recreation providers is to facilitate the “I can”, not deter someone’s involvement by running a site that isn’t accessible, and with staff who own an equally inaccessible attitude. From the moment each golf cart pulled up, with skeptical faces, to the moment they left after experiencing a disability – I witnessed a lot of changed attitudes. Thanks to all who were brave enough to try and to realize, even if just for a few moments, what an individual with a disability faces 24/7.
By the way, congratulations to Mike Erikson from Fox Valley Park District. His drive went about 200 yards and was within 6” of the line.
Forest Preserve District of Kane CountyRetains RAC
The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has retained RAC to conduct access audits of selected sites and train District staff to begin audits at basic amenity sites. Monica Meyers, Executive Director, said “We recognize the importance of this to our constituents and our staff. We have tended to access issues for years, and want all of our sites to have the required access audit.” RAC will start this project late fall.
Dakotas Parks and Recreation Conference
Parks and recreation agencies in both North Dakota and South Dakota combine resources and expertise for a Dakotas Park and Recreation Conference every year. While you are reading this, RAC President John McGovern is speaking three times at the conference. Need a speaker for your national, state, regional, or local conference? Call John McGovern at 224/293-6451.
Lindenhurst Park District Retains RAC
The Lindenhurst Park District has retained RAC for a system-wide access audit. We will start in October. Executive Director Tom Lippert said “Although the majority of our facility and park improvements have transpired in the past decade, and we continue to concern ourselves with accessibility, we still need to do a comprehensive ADA audit and transition plan prior to the required March, 2012 deadline.” Tom, that’s the right way to do it!
Boulder Rocks!
Key RAC staff spent September 12 to 16 in Boulder, Colorado, working with staff in the City Parks and Recreation Department. The Department put together a 14 person team, including rec staff, planners and Las, 
construction staff, fitness staff, and aquatics staff. This is a great approach, and with some help from RAC, the Department is off to a great start in conducting access audits of its diverse sites. Jeff Haley, Parks Planner, playfully points the way in this photo at Foothills Park in Boulder. Shelley Zuniga, RAC Senior Project Manager, led our effort, and Terry McGovern, one of our Lead Accessibility Technicians, assisted as well.
Macon County Conservation District Retains RAC
The Macon County Conservation District in Decatur, IL has retained RAC for a system-wide access audit. We will start in October. “We have some unusual outdoor sites, historic sites, and traditional conservation sites” said Kathy Merner, Executive Director. “We have addressed access at our new sites but need to revisit our existing trails, historic sites, and conservation areas. We want RAC to help us with that”.
Another New Face at RAC
Jeff Varchmin has joined the RAC staff as an Accessibility Technician. His 
diverse background, including tenure at Northwest Special Recreation Association, fitness and personal trainer experience at Hoffman Estates Park District, and classroom teacher in Schaumburg, Illinois make him a great fit with our staff. Look for Jeff on audits!
Berwyn Park District Retains RAC
The Berwyn Park District, home of the beautiful Proksa Park, has retained RAC for a system-wide access audit. We will start in October. Berwyn is not the Berwyn you think it is. Newly renovated parks, partnerships with the City and other entities, and an enthusiastic staff have changed the infrastructure. Executive Director Jeff Janda said “We want everyone in the District to be able to use and experience our beautiful parks. The access audit is part of our current strategic plan and will help us to continue to meet and exceed expectations.”
Disclaimer
Nothing in this newsletter is legal advice. It is instead a relaying of decisions and information about the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act to public parks and recreation. Readers interested in legal advice should seek a qualified attorney in your state that knows the ADA and can apply it to public parks and recreation.