The foundation of the new Burke-Gilman Playground Park is specifically designed so that every feature of the park is accessible and every area of the park can be reached via an accessible route.
While all new parks should meet accessibility rules established by the ADA, those rules actually only require a subset of playground features to be accessible. Most parks have significant features, often the coolest ones, that are not accessible.
The rainbow shading on the image of the design represents areas of the park that will be accessible. The other areas are plantings, landscaping or alternate routes to common accessible spaces.
We can move differently, play differently or even take different paths, but there is nothing here that will stop us from playing, relaxing and spending time together!
Our amazing landscape architects at Site Workshop have spent years listening and learning from our community. An inclusive design process informed their plan. We think the design they created from your ideas is incredible, but we want to make sure you agree.
There’s one more opportunity to give input on the design before it’s submitted for final approval. Especially if you, or someone you love has accessibility requirements, we need your help. We’ll be at the Burke-Gilman Playground Park from August 14th from 12-6. Stop in to review the plans, give your feedback and help us ensure this truly becomes a park for all. You also won’t want to miss the community art installation with Devon Midori Hale and Carol Rashawnna Williams, a nature walk led by Kate Clark and Kristi Lin, drag story hour with Aleksa Manila, a naming suggestion booth with our Teen Advisors, outdoor games with Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Rec’N The Streets and Specialized Programs and so much more!
Follow us @elisparkproject for more details. Hope to see you soon!