The following is the criteria for looking at accessibility in parks. The categories are not based on any access codes or technical assessments; rather, they were developed for the purpose of this website and are therefore somewhat subjective. Measurements were not taken for trail grade; we relied upon the researchers’ years of experience using ramps.
ACCESSIBLE VISITOR CENTER
Is reached by an accessible path of travel
Has level or ramped entry
Entry door has at least 32″ clearance (typical ramp)
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
Identified by the international access symbol and has an adjoining access aisle
Located on a firm and stable surface
Is level or on a slope not greater than 2 percent
ACCESSIBLE RESTROOM
Accessible path of travel
Entry and stall doors have at least 32″ clearance
Has 5′ x 5′ turnaround space
Has grab bars on back wall and at least one side
Has clear space for lateral transfer
Toilet height is 17″-19″
Roll-under sink has knee clearance at least 29″ high and 30″ wide
ACCESSIBLE PICNIC TABLE
Path of travel is firm and stable
Located on a level, firm, and stable surface
At least 27″ knee clearance
Seating is either at end of table or on the sides
ACCESSIBLE FISHING PIER
Has level access onto the pier and at least a 32”pathway.
Safety regulations require that railings be 42”, which may limit views and fishing access from a seated position.
ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND
Has an accessible path of travel to the playground.
Located on a firm and stable surface as approved by the Access Board.
May or may not have accessible play structures.
TRAIL GRADE
The grade of ramps and inclines is measured by a ratio. A typical ramp is 1:12, meaning that the slope rises 1” for every 12” of length. Gentle slopes are less than or equal to 1:12, while steep slopes, by varying degrees, are greater than 1:12. We assigned each trail one of the following classifications:
Level
Gentle (1:12 or less, manual chair can negotiate)
Mostly level or gentle (has at least one steep section)
Steep (> 1:12, power chair and someone with good upper body strength can generally negotiate)
Very steep (dangerous without assistance)
TERRAIN
Hard: Paved, boardwalk, asphalt, brick
Firm: Hardened soil, decomposed granite with stabilizer
Moderately firm: Gravel or dirt mix with firm underlayment. May be problematic for manual wheelchairs but not motorized wheelchairs/scooters.
Soft: Wood fiber, loose gravel, loose dirt. Problematic for manual wheelchairs and possibly for motorized wheelchairs/scooters.
Very Soft: Wood fiber, loose gravel, loose dirt. Problematic for manual wheelchairs and possibly for motorized wheelchairs/scooters
At fourteen I became paralyzed but the love for adventure did not vanish. I want to see and experience this world. As the founder of wheelchairtraveling.com I believe in creating an accessible world and together we can make that happen. Be seen to be heard.