Handicapped swings in your parks (Fresno: insurance, lawyers, home)

[supernana]

Desperate to know how many parks in your communities have handicapped
playgrounds. It took me over 18 months and contacting a very dear friend who was the mayor to accomplished installing one swing. If you could see the face of my grandson when he is on the swing, would understand why this is so important. These kids have to little in their lives to make them happy. This money does not need to come from the tax payers there are grands and funds available from many sources.

My grandson Gabriel was a victum of Shaken Baby Syndrome at four months old. He is quardropaligic and cannot speak. This playground would mean so much to him and the other children in our community.

I have contacted an attorney that deals with lawsuits on behalf of the
handicapped, but I need to gather as much information as possible to present my case to the attorney. PLEASE HELP ME!

Warmest regards,

Celia Soto

[Adriatica]

Fresno has an entire city park called Oso de Oro that is completely handicapped-accessible (handicapped swings, wheelchair basketball court, interpretive maze for the blind, raised sandboxes for wheelchair accessibility) and is entirely staffed by disabled employees. It is amazing!

Government Innovators Network: Oso de Oro Lake Park,
Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District

[EscapeCalifornia]

The problem with suing everybody over matters like that is that the people that run the playgrounds may simply decide to shut them down rather than expose themselves to lawsuits over and over any time the equipment isn't up to someone's requirements. Who wins then?

[FresnoFacts]

Originally Posted by Adriatica

Fresno has an entire city park called Oso de Oro that is completely handicapped-accessible (handicapped swings, wheelchair basketball court, interpretive maze for the blind, raised sandboxes for wheelchair accessibility) and is entirely staffed by disabled employees. It is amazing!

Fresno currently has a couple of parks that are handicapped-accessible, with a third in process. Oso de Oro is only one.

There is currently also Trolley Creek Park which opened in 2004. It copied many of the same features as Oso de Oro which opened in 1995. Trolley Creek is completely wheelchair accessible. It includes accessible playground equipment. Trolley Creek includes replicas of a 1920s Trolley Car, the Fresno Water Tower, and the Meux Home museum. All have been scaled down in size for children.
Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District

The city of Fresno is now working on a new accessible park (the third), it will cover 7 acres just west of Highway 99 in some of the new housing areas in that part of town.

The new park will feature a Miracle League baseball field, a Shane’s Inspiration tot-lot, a sensory water wall, a splash area with sprinklers and a non-slip surface, a wheelchair accessible basketball court with adjustable hoop heights, and something I find intriguing - an accessible skate park.

This new accessible park in Fresno is expected to open in September or October.

[canibeyou]

WOW! Mad props to Fresno!

[MisterDuke]

Originally Posted by supernana

My grandson Gabriel was a victum of Shaken Baby Syndrome at four months old. He is quardropaligic and cannot speak. This playground would mean so much to him and the other children in our community.

I don't understand who or why you are suing. Your city put in a special swing for your grandson, and now you want to sue them?

[Dean Trails]

"I have contacted an attorney that deals with lawsuits on behalf of the
handicapped, but I need to gather as much information as possible to present my case to the attorney. PLEASE HELP ME!"

The State of California has Disabilities regulations in its California Building Code that all cities must enforce. The Federal government has American with Disabilities Act. A simple request to your local municipality or County government will be just as effective.

There is no reason to spend time and money enriching attorneys with lawsuit after lawsuit. Lawyers are the ones that win! It is a sad day for us that in order to get our way we have to get someone else to pay the bills. Ultimately, it is the taxpayers that pay anyway!

[Inthesierras]

I really hope you will lobby for the special equipment you hope will be installed before considering lawsuits. If it is a special district, call and write to the board members of the park district, the park district administrator, etc. If the park district falls under the city or county, then write to the county supervisors, mayor, etc. More times then not you will find that the employees for the parks departments are willing to help. Suing a park district raises their annual insurance payment and that can prohibit future developments. I have worked for several large districts in the past. If they haven't had a request for something specific, then they may be unaware that this is something people want.