Advisory Committee on Accessibility

2025-09-11 BACA Subcommittee Meeting 645 Pine Street Front Conference Room and Zoom In Attendance: Nate Besio Karen Downey John Thomas Shelby Glass Scottie Taylor Sophie Sauvé Max Madalinski The main focus was on reviewing playground design proposals, including various equipment options and accessibility features, with the team evaluating different structures, safety considerations, and budget constraints. The group concluded by discussing potential musical elements and communication features for the playground, while agreeing to review updated designs at the next meeting and await budget confirmation for additional projects. Next steps • BPRW team: Continue working with the selected vendor to refine the Pomeroy Park playground design, focusing on universal design principles • BPRW team: Address the connection issue with proper surfacing to eliminate the 4-6 inch drop into the playground • BPRW team: Explore alternative equipment options that are more inclusive than the post and platform structures • BPRW team: Consider incorporating wheelchair tracks or path indicators in the playground design • BPRW team: Handle seating separately according to their standards rather than including it in the vendor's proposal • BPRW team: Follow up with vendor about transfer options for the garden seesaw to accommodate users with mobility devices • BPRW team: Check specifications for the carousel's lower assembly design to ensure proper drainage and maintenance • BPRW team: Remove the thick shrub fence at Pomeroy Park to improve visibility and safety • BPRW team: Explore panel options for the Mini dome structure that could be either freestanding or integrated Summary Pomeroy Park Upgrades and Events The group discussed the positive impact of recent upgrades at Pomeroy Park, including the resurfacing of a basketball court, which has attracted attention from local residents. Pomeroy Park Playground Design Review The team discussed the Pomeroy Park playground proposal, focusing on a vendor who showed the most willingness to work with universal design and poured-in-place surfacing requirements. They reviewed the vendor's initial layout, which included a path route for children, individual play areas, and various equipment options like a garden seesaw and carousel, though the team expressed concerns about traditional post-and-platform structures. The team noted that while the design wasn't perfect, the vendor was open to discussing modifications, and seating elements would need to be removed due to budget constraints. Inclusive Playground Design Discussion The group discussed a playground design, focusing on accessibility features and safety considerations. They expressed concerns about the lack of ramps for children in mobility devices and suggested adding features at the top of ramps for inclusive play. They agreed that while the design had some limitations, it was overall a good start and would provide a safe and enjoyable space for children. The team noted that while the swings, carousel, and spring rider were inclusive, the post and platform equipment were not. The designers explained that budget constraints limited their options for additional accessible features. The team discussed potential ways to reallocate funds, including reducing the playground size to accommodate more at-grade play features. They also considered adding wheelchair tracks to the path to enhance inclusiveness (a mural). Garden Seesaw Review The group discussed the potential to add a seat to the garden seesaw for children with limited mobility, focusing on accessibility and transfer options. They identified potential issues with getting users into and out of the seat, particularly for those who use wheelchairs, and suggested modifications like a cutaway side or adjustable bar. The team also examined maintenance concerns for the carousel, noting that while there had been some hardware issues with the Oakledge installation, the issues were not mechanical or technical and the one proposed seemed less complicated. Playground Safety and Accessibility Review The group discussed a potential playground structure featuring nets and a slide, focusing on safety concerns and accessibility for children aged 2-5. They noted that while the structure offered good visibility and accessibility, it was expensive compared to other options and had some safety concerns, particularly regarding visibility of children in the nets. The group also discussed the importance of incorporating educational elements about risky play and child development into the playground design. The group discussed various playground structures, focusing on a dome-shaped play area with slides and climbing features. They examined different versions of the dome, including a smaller footprint option without a slide and a larger, more climbing-oriented version for children aged 5 to 12. The participants debated the merits of including slides on the dome structure. They also briefly discussed a pendulum ride and a climbing wall, which was supported as a challenging structure for older children. Interactive Musical Communication Project The group discussed the potential inclusion of unique musical elements and communication boards in a project. They explored ideas such as interpretive panels, drum sets, and other interactive features to cater to non-verbal individuals. They considered the practicality of these additions, including the need for individualized communication devices and the possibility of a "bring your own" approach for certain items.

Advisory Committee on Accessibility Thursday, September 11, 2025, 12:00 AM, 645 Pine Street PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will be held on Zoom and in-person in the front conference room at 645 Pine Street. Zoom Info: https://zoom.us/j/96229845929 Meeting ID: 962 2984 5929 1. Adopt the Agenda 2. Public Forum 3. Review playground equipment options for Pomeroy Playground 4. Adjournment Subject 4.1. Motion to adjourn Meeting September 11, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Playground Subcommittee - Thursday, September 11, 2025, 12:00 AM, 645 Pine Street Category 4. Adjournment Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 5. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Subject 5.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. Meeting September 11, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Playground Subcommittee - Thursday, September 11, 2025, 12:00 AM, 645 Pine Street Category 5. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Department Council and Board Type