09-23-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Proposed guidelines for trails under Americans wth Disabilities Act trail released from A.. Page 2 of 3 Will we have to bring existing traib np to ADA standards? The proposed guidelines apply to all areas of newly designed or newly constructed and altered portions of existing trails. However, for entities covered by title II of the ADA, "program accessibility," may require accessibility to be provided on existing trails. Program accessibility means that the major elements in a recreation program need to be accessible. Clearly, though, trails involve an "experience" that is more complex than typical park facilities. Must we improve accessibility when trail maintenance is done? The proposed guidelines state that "routine or periodic maintenance or repair of existing trails or trail segments does not trigger the accessibility guidelines." Examples include removal of debris, reshaping the trail bed, erosion control, etc. What about new traUs that arc nowhere near a road or an accessible trailhead? The proposed guidelines apply only to trails that "connect to an accessible trail" or "designated trailhead." Where new trails connect to an existing trail that is not accessible, the technical provisions do not apply. Nor do they apply where the new or altered portion is not connected to a designated trailhead. Does an accessible trail have to be paved? Paving is not required, as long as the surface is "firm and stable." What about handraUs and other edge protection? While handrails and edge protection are not required on trails, they may be provided where needed&emdash; for instance, along a steep drop-off. They should also meet appropriate standards. So what is an accessible trail? Under the proposed guidelines, an accessible trail would meet these minimum technical provisions: • Clear tread width: 36" minimum • Tread Obstacles: 2" high max. (up to 3" high where running and cross slopes are 5% or less) • Cross Slope: 5% max. • Running slope (trail grade) meets one or more of the following: o - 5% or less for any distance, o - up to 8.33% for 200' max. Resting intervals no more than 200* apart, o - up to 10% for 30' max. Resting intervals 30'. o - up to 12.5% for 10' max. Resting intervals 10'. • No more than 30% of the total trail length may exceed a running slope of 8.33%. • Passing Space: provided at least every 1000' where trail width is less than 60" • Signs: shall be provided indicating the length of the accessible trail segment What if building a trail to an accessible standard just isn't logical^ or desirable* or even possible? http'y/www.americanttaiU.org/trailtracks/Spting00TrTracks/()andAonAOASPR00.html 8/29/2002 1 n i