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30 Million for parks
Norwich has a large budget for improving parks. Let's work on making our parks ADA compliant.
As mentioned in the article in Dec 2023 (our bulletin purchased by USA today is behind a paywall), Norwich has a great deal of money for park renovation. A pickleball court was recently put in. Another plan for the skating rink is included, according to the Bulletin.
Pickleball
While exercise for all ages is a great consideration, there is a porta potty (again) near the walking track. This obviously is NOT ADA compliant.
Other cities like New York or Boston have a map of park restrooms. Where is the map for norwich? or List?
https://www.norwichbulletin.com/story/news/2023/07/03/norwich-picklebal…
Porta Potty Parks
As mentioned in the Pickleball post, there area numerous porta potties around our parks. While this is a "temporary" situation (years), no ADA compliant restrooms can be found except at Mohegan Park. Even this is questionable as it requires mobilization uphill to reach the building restroom (in the old monkey house).
While there was an over 1 million dollar effort in improving the doc and a ramp by Howard Brown handicap accessible, the restrooms are porta potties and definitely do not seem ADA compliant. For a public park, this is unheard of. So bravo for the dock but a score of F for the restrooms.
https://www.norwichbulletin.com/story/news/local/2024/04/25/howard-brow…
Otis Walking video
The event that stirred this up was a reel released by Otis. Having walks is great for mental health. However, here are the issues:
1. Definitely not WCAG compliant so not ADA compliant
2. Shakey - a danger for those with sensitivity disabilities like epilepsy
3. "Walking" is not inclusive
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/qrTzyD5sCKsEyj4w/
Do Better
We need to do better for our community and consider all residents. Some residents cannot enjoy your basketball courts, pickleball and ice skating rinks. Nor can these residents "walk".
There seems to be not only a lack of accessibility consideration but a total disgregard for those in our community with limited mobility and disability.
St. Vincents is on Cliff Street. Regular transport by SEAT was not available according to Art, our friend who you would see a few years ago at Stop in Shop. He spoke at length about the challenges he faced just getting around town in his wheelchair.
Do. Better. Norwich!
Replies
Lee L
Neighbor
7-25-2024 6:23am
I agree about Norwich not being ADA friendly, just the sidewalks alone are either not wide enough, have a telephone pole in the middle of the sidewalk or better yet have trees hanging over the sidewalk, tall grass and weeds littering the way for individuals.
I have noticed there is no upkeep of sidewalks or or where the sidewalks meet the road, tall grass . Drive up Laurel hill, drive by the marina and by the two bridges near the marina. Hire some day laborers, high school kids to tend to these things. Take some pride in our City! It's the little things that make a big impression!!!
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Marcia Wilbur
Editor
4-08-2025 4:59pm
Agreed. I was working at the elementary schools in Kelly, teaching coding and games and I made this one a couple years ago.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTj1TEtEW/ The accessibility issues are serious, but the town doesn’t take it seriously like for example they put in that million dollar ramp but no bathrooms… I can’t imagine someone trying to use that porta potty at the Howard Brown Park. It’s not even fit for anyone.
