East Fork Amazon Headwaters; OPRD Local Govt Grant 2008

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17. AcCESSIBiLITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES — Please answer the following ques- tions about accessibility. Does your agency have an ADA Transition Plan and /or Self Certification? Yes. The City complies with ADA standards in all new construction and has a transition plan to retrofit exist' non-compliant facilities. What is the topography of the project site (flat, hilly, rough or uneven terrain, etc.)? The site has some flat- ter areas of wetlands, but is primarily steeply sloped with rough and uneven terrain. Elevation change is approxi- mately 280' over a horizontal distance of approximately 1700'. What is the surface of existing or proposed parking areas? How many parking spaces are (or will be) al- located for people with disabilities? No parking areas are proposed on site, as on- street paved parking will be available next to the proposed future trail head. Depending on the final design and level of accessibility of the trail, an on- street accessible space can be provided. What is the slope and surface of any roads or trails that will be used as accessibility routes to various parts of the park? Although the trail has not been planned in detail yet, on steeply sloped sites such as the parcel in question, the City strives for maximum accessibility and attempts to comply with accessibility recommendations to the greatest extent possible. Sections of trail that are non - compliant are minimized in length and severity. Signage will be posted at trailheads to identify accessible trails, including information about difficulty, slope, obstacles, etc. Do existing areas and facilities within your parks system meet ADA Guidelines for Recreation Facilities? The City of Eugene complies with ADA standards in all new construction and has a transition plan to retrofit existing non - compliant facilities. The City strives to provide accessibility improvements above and beyond the minimum requirements of ADA. How will your proposed development or rehabilitation projects be made accessible? Due to the nature of the terrain of the south hills, not all portions of the Ridgeline Trail system are accessible. It is the City's goal to provide quality outdoor experiences for those with disabilities in areas where this can be accommo- dated in a safe manner. Accessible trail segments will include clear, visible and informative signage, a stable and even trail bed on appropriately graded slopes, and accessible site furnishings. Several City staff members have been through Universal Trail Assessment Process classes, and we have begun to inventory our trail system based on level of accessibility. As the trail design is refuted for the East Amazon Headwaters Property, we will work with local advocates and our trail engineer to provide the most accessible route feasible. How does your agency address special accessibility concerns/needs for people with sight or hearing im- paired disabilities? The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division is proactive in accommodating special needs and access issues of community members. The City's first audible pedestrian crossing was recently installed at Amazon Community Park, and a new piece of technology recently purchased by the City will enable park and trail maps to be converted into a tactile form. Tactile maps have been installed in several city parks. Additionally, it is a City standard to use textured paving at sidewalk/road intersections. The City's transition plan to retrofit existing facilities also addresses sight and hearing impaired disabilities. The City regularly seeks out assistance from advocacy groups to advise on accessibility issues related to park development. We are open and eager for suggestions about how to better meet the recreational needs of all community members. Does your agency have the latest Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines: Recreation Fa- cilities? Yes. We are also referencing the US Dept. of Transportation's Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access — Best Practices Design Guide. For further information contact: DBTAC Northwest ADA Technical Assistance Hotline Toll Free 800 - 9494232 www.dbtacnorthwest.or Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 2004 -1111. Telephone number (202) 272 -5434 extension 34 (Voice); 202 272 -5449 (TTY). The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is in the process of amending the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) by adding a new special application section for newly constructed and altered recreation facilities that are not adequately address by the existing guidelines.