Successes and Opportunities
Learn about our successes and opportunities we have identified to increase accessibility in Mt Tabor Park
Successes
A) Our First Success: A New Accessible Parking Space in Mt. Tabor Park!
Problem / opportunity:
We were in conversation with a park bureau representative about increasing access when the parking area near the upper east side gates was being repainted. We weren’t making much progress.
Opportunities
A) Summit Trail Access
Problem / opportunity:
At the summit, access to one of the trails could be improved for people using wheelchairs and strollers with a ramp to bridge the curb.
Solution:
Create curb cut, remove metal plate and grade the trail
B) Curb Cut Needed
Problem / opportunity:
Good trail ending with a large, bad curb. So close but yet so far!
The trail goes through the trees and gradually climbs to connect to the main road and other potentially accessible trails. Unfortunately a curb blocks access. A curb cut modification would open it up.
Solution:
Curb cut with drainage modification
C) Gutter Modifications Needed
Problem / opportunity:
Only a fraction of Mt Tabor’s wonderful network of trails can be enjoyed by those of us who use wheelchairs, walkers, and baby strollers. With only minor modifications to rain gutters and curbs, this network would expand three-fold allowing those with mobility issues to experience the park’s most serene, magical places without cars. And they’d also give us access to iconic events like the annual Adult Soapbox Derby!
The angle of the gutters is too extreme to go over in a mobility devise. Extending the gutter to reduce the angle would fix it.
Solution:
The Gutters have already been modified in other parts of the park and have made the visitors center parking lot and playground available to all.
This is all that would be needed for the old gutters to open up 6 or 7 of
the trails to more diverse users.
D) Ensure that accessibility is part of the planning process
Opportunity:
Reconstruction of damaged shelter
When there is something needing improvement or repair, just considering how could we do this job in a way that would maximize benefit for the broadest cross section of our community? Rather than being addressed after other projects, accessibility needs can often be addressed as part of improvement projects.
An immediate example is the rebuilding of the Mt Tabor picnic shelter. New picnic table will need to be provided – without additional or minor expense those tables could be accessible so that someone who uses a mobility device could pull in and be a part of the group. There are other minor considerations with the rebuilding that would be a win-win.
Solution:
Ensure that accessibility is part of the planning stage of all future projects
E) Ensure that all equipment and structures are accessible
Opportunity:
Equipment and structures are often not accessible due to their design.
Example: Inaccessible picnic table:
Solution:
When equipment or structures are being added or replaced then use equipment and structures that are accessible.
Example: an accessible picnic table
