Pioneer Park Accessibility

Sara Skinner, Robert Botts, Shoshana Pearlman

REC 404

Kevin Johnston

November 13, 2010

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Table of Contents

Priority 1: Accessible Approach/Entrance .................................................................................................... 4

Priority 2: Access to Goods and Services ..................................................................................................... 7

Priority 3: Usability of Restrooms ................................................................................................................ 9

Priority 4: Additional Access ...................................................................................................................... 12

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 13

Appendix ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

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Abstract:

Pioneer Park Accessibility

Our objective, as University of Idaho Undergraduate Recreation Students who are

learning about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance in public facilities and

inclusiveness in recreation, was to perform an observation at Pioneer Park to see if it met

ADA standards. There were many aspects of the park that were compliant with ADA, while

others need some improvement.

Pioneer Park, located at 203 5th Street Lewiston, Idaho, is the oldest park in Lewiston.

The 7 acre park was actually a cemetery until the late 1880s and the church that sits at 3rd

Avenue and 5th Street was built in 1904 as a Law Library and the northern home of the Idaho

Supreme Court until 1956. In 1989 a structure was built (Band Shell) on the grounds for

bands to play and Pioneer Park is home to Lewiston’s Hot August Nights.

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Priority 1: Accessible Approach/Entrance

1. a. Route of Travel:

Pioneer Park is accessible by sidewalk in 5 locations:

The main and westerly entrance to the park, where the Pioneer Park sign is located and the closest

entrance to parking, is not wheel chair accessible.

The entrance from the road on the northeast side of the park leading to the “Band Shell”.

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The first easterly entrance leading to the restroom meets ADA standards, minus an accessible

parking or drop-off area.

The second easterly entrance, which leads to the playground has a slope of 2.5”:12” by our

measurements.

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The 2 entrances on the southeasterly corner of the park lead to one long sidewalk into the park do

not have accessible parking or an accessible drop-off area.

1. b. Ramps:

The sole ramp at the park leads from the road on the northeast side of the park to the

“Band Shell”. This ramp is not within ADA standards with a slope that we measured to

be 2.5”: 12”. The ramp does not have railings to prevent a wheelchair from exiting the

ramp from the side and the ramp is without non-slip material.

1. c. Parking and Drop-Off Areas:

On the northwest side of the park there are 21 parking spaces shared between Pioneer

Park and the children’s’ day care center, with the sole handicap parking spot being next

to the day care center.

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On the northeast side of the park where the one-way road circles the park, there is a cut-

out off of the road which appears to be for additional parking in parallel fashion. There

are no markings for individual spots, nor is there a handicap access area with the

passenger side doors opening to a curb and grass. The park has no designated handicap

accessible drop-off areas identified.

Priority 2: Access to Goods and Services

2. a. Horizontal Circulation:

There is no easily accessible ramp that reaches all areas of the park. There are two access

areas to the park at opposite ends. The available ramp at the playground end is 2½ in: 12

in., which is 1½ inches too steep. The ramp located near the amphitheater has a large

pothole that could be extremely hazardous to anyone using this entrance point, but the

ramp meets regulation. An inside area does not exist at Pioneer Park other than the

restroom facilities. The restrooms have plenty of room to maneuver around in. All of the

outside walkways are at least 36 inches wide, most being about 42 inches. There are

plenty of intersections available so someone in a wheelchair can turn around outside in

the park. The sidewalks do not have any non-slip tread and may be dangerous for some

with disabilities.

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2. b. Doors:

The only doors located in Pioneer Park are to the restroom facilities. These doors are 33¼

inches wide, and the handles are 34½ inches from the ground. One would not have the

ability to open these doors with a closed fist due to the type of handle. Lever or loop

handles should replace these so anyone could access the restroom. The women’s room

door requires 15-16 pounds of force to open because it gets stuck, while the men’s

requires 14 pounds. Doors should not exceed 5 pounds of required force to meet ADA

standards. A solution to this issue would be to replace the current doors with lighter

doors, or install automatic door openers. The men’s door takes 5 seconds to close

completely and the women’s 6½ seconds. While automatic door openers may be

expensive to install, they would alleviate three issues (door handles, force, and ample

time) in one change as opposed to having to fix each individually. The threshold edges

are within acceptable ranges, and there is plenty of open space in front of the door on

either side.

2. c. Rooms and Spaces:

Pathways throughout the park are at least 36 inches wide, most being about 42 inches.

There is room for someone in a wheelchair to turn around and change directions at any of

the intersections in the park.

2. d. Emergency Egress:

The smoke detectors in the restrooms have flashing strobe lights, and we assume that

they are tested and provide audible signals.

2. e. Signage for Goods and Services:

The signs in Pioneer Park need to be better developed. The only signs that exist are the

park name sign, and the Lewiston Parks and Recreation sign. There should be signs

placed outside of the restrooms that are mounted 60 inches from the floor with Braille on

the latch side of the door. The Lewiston Parks and Recreation Sign is not mounted above

80 inches, and therefore meets ADA standards.

2. f. Seats, Tables, and Counters:

There are no fixed seating areas at the park, but there are spaces at some of the picnic

tables for wheelchairs to be placed on either end. The overhang of the table is 25 inches,

and the tables are about 30 inches. An issue with these accessible tables, however, is that

they are located in the center of grassy, uneven areas which may be difficult to get to for

someone in a wheelchair to reach. Garbage cans are also located in the grassy areas, near

the picnic tables and should be more accessible.

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Priority 3: Usability of Restrooms

3. a. Getting to the Restrooms:

At the park there is one location for the restrooms and to get to them, there is a full wrap

around sidewalk that provides enough space for a wheelchair to go all the way around.

There is one restroom for men and one for women. Inside there are standard stalls and

urinals and one handicap stall is provided in each restroom. These stall are fully

accessible and one can maneuver as needed.

3. b. Doorways and Passages:

Before entering the restrooms, there is large tactile signage on the doors to identify the

restroom. There is labeling and raised characters to identify the proper usage.

The doorway for both entrances have 33 ½ inches of clearing to get through. The height

of the handle is within regulation at 34 ½; however, the doors are not equipped properly

for those who have poor use of their hands and have to use their closed fists.

While attempting to open the door, the women’s side was much more difficult because

the door tended to get stuck. According to our read, it took up to 16lbf to initiate the pull

for opening. The men’s door was not much different, it took 15lbf to open. It is my belief

that there is a strong suction between the doorways that requires more force to open the

doors.

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3. c. Stalls:

The doors that are installed inside the restrooms provide enough space for those in a

wheelchair, but once again, those who have poor use of their hands and can only use a

closed fist may only be able to hook a finger into it. Replacing the handle with a knob or

a lever may create a better handle for the handicap.

The wheelchair accessible stall has proper clearance with the measurements of 119 ½ by

60 inches. At the side of the toilet there is a 34 ½ inch gap to place a wheelchair.

Inside the stalls there are grab bars behind and at the side of the wall nearest to the toilet.

This is important for those who need the bars as assistance for transfer. The toilet seat

reaches the minimum requirement of 17 inches high.

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3. d. Lavatories:

There is one lavatory in each of the bathrooms; both reach the minimum requirement of

30 inches wide by 48 inches deep. The measurement is 39 by 50 ½ clearance. Underneath

the lavatory there is a clearance of 29 ½ inches from the apron to the floor.

The rim of the lavatory is 33 ½ inches high. There is no mirror above or around the sink.

The soap dispenser on the other hand is centered above the sink, too high for anyone in a

wheel chair to actually be able to use. The hand drier is within reach and can be pushed

on for use.

The faucet is a censored and can therefore be used for someone who has issues using

their open hands.

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Priority 4: Additional Access

4. a. Drinking Fountains:

On location, drinking fountains are both available and accessible for handicap. There is

one located near the restrooms and one located near the play structure. Both fountains

have a clearing space of 33 or 34 inches in front of the fountain.

The spout of the fountain is approximately 34 inches high. There is no other drinking

fountain that provides a high-low option.

Fountain controls are mounted on the front and is operable with a push button so anyone

is able to use it without much difficulty.

Both fountains are cane-detectable with the protruding distance of 20 inches.

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Conclusion

As Lewiston’s oldest park it is understandable that there will be some areas that

do not meet ADA compliance, as long as these areas are identified and we have a plan in

place to correct them ensuring inclusion in recreation for all. For the most part, the park

seems to have taken ADA and updated their facilities. There are some areas of the park,

however, that need improvements to reach standards. Parks should be accessible for

everyone to enjoy, and with some time, adjustments, and planning this can be possible.

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Appendix

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