Title
Parks Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assessment Update
Recommended Action
Board Treasurer Recommendation:
None - Information only.
Report
Issue:
Review ADA Transition Plan Audit and project prioritization.
Staff Contact:
Kip Summers, Senior Engineer, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.570.5834
Presenter(s):
Kip Summers, Senior Engineer, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Background and Analysis:
Background
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush. The ADA is one of America’s most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation. It prohibits discrimination and guarantees people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life. Title II of the ADA address the law’s requirements of state/local governments in their interactions with people with disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) regulations declare that state/local governments must perform a self-evaluation of their services, programs, policies, and practices and identify barriers that may limit accessibility for people with disabilities. Additionally, they must develop transition plans describing how they will address identified barriers. As a first step in developing an ADA Transition Plan for Olympia’s park system, in June, 2016 the City contracted with R.W. Droll, Landscape Architect, to do a comprehensive ADA audit of all of Olympia City parks. This audit was completed in May, 2017.
Audit Methodology
R.W. Droll conducted an ADA Assessment of parks’ grounds and buildings and documented findings through an ADA Barriers Form. Each Barrier was numerically identified on the Barriers Form, Aerial Photo, and Estimate of Probable Costs Form. R.W. Droll subcontracted the assessment of restroom facilities to Thomas Architecture Studio; cost estimates for restroom upgrades are listed on separate spreadsheets in the document and titled “Architecture.” Pathways within developed portions of parks that link park features were assessed in this audit; nature trails were not.
Audit Findings
Upgrades to bring Olympia’s entire park system into ADA compliance will cost an estimated $3.6 million. Yauger Park and LBA Park account for over half of this cost with approximately $1 million in improvements needed at each park. (At Yauger Park the majority of the projected costs are to bring paths into compliance; at LBA Park the majority of the costs are pathways and access to dugout and spectator areas). The remaining park system needs a variety of improvements including installing ADA compliant pathways to access park features, installing ADA parking, upgrading picnic tables and benches, and upgrades to restroom facilities.
Proposed Implementation
Recognizing the City does not have sufficient funding to immediately make all identified facilities fully accessible, staff proposes a project prioritization process that considers level of use, facility uniqueness, citizen complaints, and coordination with facility replacement. Each year staff will develop a prioritized list of ADA improvements that will be a part of the CFP process. Staff proposes to dedicate $200,000 per year to this ADA improvement program.
Next Steps
Currently there are no funds set aside for park ADA upgrades. The proposed 2018 Capital Facilities Plan will include the proposed funding. If additional funding is approved, city staff will prioritize and implement ADA upgrades as proposed.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
We have received requests for a handful of ADA improvements from park users who are unable to access various park facilities.
Options:
Informational only at this time. Council will review proposed funding strategy as part of the CFP review process.
Financial Impact:
Staff proposes increasing the Olympia Metropolitan Parks District tax rate to generate $200,000 annually to fund park ADA upgrades.
Attachments:
A link to the Olympia Parks ADA Audit 2017 is as follows:
<http://olympiawa.gov/city-services/parks/opar-plans-and-studies.aspx>