HomeMy WebLinkAbout#08 - ADA Report STAFF REPORT
DATE: 02/22/2023
MOTION
AGENDA ITEM: ADA Compliance
TO: Parks Commission
SUBMITTED BY: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director
Reviewed By: Marty Powers, Public Works Director
Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
Under federal regulations, when parks and recreation facilities are built or altered, they must
comply with the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (ADA Standards), which require
inclusion of features such as accessible parking spaces, routes, toilet facilities, public telephones,
and spectator seating areas. For parks and facilities that were built or altered before the ADA
Standards took effect, local governments usually must devise ways to make the programs and
activities in those parks and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. If a local government
decides to modify facilities to provide access to a recreation program or activity and has more
than one facility available (such as when several ball fields are provided), only some of the
facilities may need to be accessible.
Staff has identified three parks that could be updated to meet ADA standards. All of the updates include
trail connections to existing amenities or park access. Making these small changes would increase one’s
ability to access all features of the park. .
ISSUE BEFORE COMMISSION:
Would the Parks Commission like to make the necessary changes to the following parks in order to make
them ADA compliant?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS
Pilot Park
Pilot Park was constructed in 2016 in Easton Village. Proposed changes to Pilot Park would include, making
a trail connection from the current asphalt trail to the playground area. Staff also recommends making a
small pad for placement of the current ADA compliant picnic table.
Ivywood Park
Proposed changes to Ivywood Park include, making an ADA concrete ramp access from Ivywood Cir N.
onto the asphalt trail. The current surmountable curb style is not ADA compliant to allow users onto the
trail. Staff proposes changing the approach onto the trail to current city standards.
In addition, staff recommends making a trail connection from the current asphalt path to pavilion. This
will allow users to access the pavilion on a flat paved surface.
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Hammes Park
Changes to Hammes Park include short trail connections from the current asphalt trial to all three play
structures. Currently there is no direct access to any of the amenities without having to cross lawn areas.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Upgrading access to all three parks will be done by Public Works staff. Design and actual location of the
trails will be outlined and completed by city staff to ensure accessibility and minimal turf damage. Staff
will utilize equipment and materials currently in stock to create a base layer for all trails.
Asphalt will be used in the proposed areas for trails and concrete for reconstructing the curb access.
Estimated cost of asphalt and concrete for these areas would be approximately $3500. Funding for these
changes will come from the public works parks maintenance budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the following motion:
“Move to recommend to make all the proposed ADA changes to Pilot, Ivywood and Hammes
Parks to comply with ADA standards and satisfy League of Minnesota Cities recommendations.”