PRECA 01-02-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Agenda Section: VIII -1 CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON REQUEST FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION Report Number: 90-262 Report Date: l~ - 7 - Q.-1) f7~1tV~J$fL~~I~ON OF RECOMMENDATION BY THE NEW BRIGHTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION TO MAKE HANSEN PARK A PILOT PARK FOR HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE EQUIPMENT DEPT. HEAD'S APPROVAL: MANAGER'S REVIEW/RECOMMENDATION: No comments to supplement this report Comments attached EXPLANATION/SUMMARY (attach supplemental sheets as necessary): EXPLANATION The New Brighton Human Rights Commission recently began to explore handicap accessibility in City parks. At the November HRC meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Maurie Anderson explained that of the nine City parks, seven have been developed with play equipment and other recreational facilities. Of these seven parks, three have handicap accessible buildings such as picnic shelters with ground level access or ramp entrances. Although the buildings have been constructed for handicapped persons, many of the play areas and equipment are not handicap accessible. Both the Commission members and Mr. Anderson agreed that modifications could be made to both the ground surface of the play area and the equipment to accommodate handicapped individuals. Mr. Anderson suggested Hansen Park would serve as an excellent pilot park. The equipment and access areas could be modified and if Hansen receives increased use from handicapped citizens, the remaining parks will be considered for similar modifications. Mr. Anderson's suggestion was met with a consensus vote and the following statement was approved unanimously by the Human Rights Commission: "The New Brighton Human Rights Commission recommends that Hansen Park become a pilot park for structured upgrading to handicap accessibility. The use of the park by handicap individuals should be monitored in order to effectively evaluate plans to upgrade and/or modify other City parks. It is also recommended that a policy be developed that will provide for handicap accessible equipment and access routes whenever equipment is replaced or repaired." ~.i Samantha O duno, Assistant to the City Manager RECOMMENDED ACTION Motion to ACCEPT THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION AND DIRECT THE RECOMMENDATION TO THE PARK BOARD.