OLYMPIA – Aug. 4, 2020 – Washington State Parks invites the public to a virtual meeting to learn about the agency’s plan to improve accessibility at state parks. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom.
The State Parks’ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan will help the agency provide better accessibility to facilities and programs for visitors with disabilities.
State Parks contracted with Bureau Veritas — a recognized world leader in testing, inspection and certification services — to develop the transition plan. The company will host the Zoom meeting.
WHAT
Washington State Parks Draft ADA Transition Plan discussion
WHO
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
WHEN
Aug. 18
6 p.m. Pacific Time
HOW
Via Zoom
People are asked to register in advance for this webinar/meeting at: j.mp/33pBxMO
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Note: It is not necessary to have a Zoom account to participate in this webinar.
State Parks is asking the public to comment on the draft Transition Plan. Comments will be accepted through Sept. 15.
A final plan is expected to be published by November.
To learn more and to view and comment on the draft transition plan, visit bit.ly/ADAplan
Background
Washington state agencies are required to do a self-assessment of any barriers to accessibility in their policies, programs and/or facilities. Transition plans detail the structural changes needed to achieve access and specify a timeframe for completion.
State Parks originally completed a self-assessment and transition plan in 1993. In 2019, the agency completed new assessments of its state parks. As part of the assessments, Bureau Veritas inspected park facilities and compared them to current ADA standards, identified any areas that were out of compliance and developed cost estimates for bringing them into compliance.
In January, State Parks conducted an online survey to hear from the public about their priorities, which helped inform the draft plan.
News media contacts:
Nikki Fields, State Parks ADA coordinator, (360) 902-8658
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8745
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 20-039