Regarding access to outdoor facilities:
Part of the allure of outdoor recreation (hiking trails, beaches, etc.) is the experience and challenge of untamed, wild nature, being away from the built environment. It helps us to get perspective and reconsider our assumptions about urban lifestyle. Even in urban areas, the pockets of nature that occur in infill “wilderness” parks helps provide balance.
I would be disappointed if, in the interest of accessibility, nature was “tamed” with paved switchback ramps, handrails and excessive signage, etc. Over the years, advancements in accessibility technology (for example, more powerful motorized wheelchairs, oversized tires that roll on sand, etc.) already enable accessibility to natural areas that would not otherwise meet ADAAG requirements for the built environment. Many organizations also offer additional physical assistance to provide an accessible “wilderness” experience without taming the natural environment.
I would propose that some outdoor federal facilities can be classified as part of a “wilderness” experience, and that alternative, non-permanent mobility features or programs can be provided in lieu of permanent manmade intrusions on nature.
For humans, the outdoor environment has inherent challenges, and that is a great part of its allure. We go to nature, in part, to challenge the urbane, tamed part of ourselves. This is true whether or not we have disabilities. Please do not remove that challenging, rewarding experience of nature in the process of providing access to it.
Steve Kuchenski
Pasadena, CA