Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.…
GMRPTC Update: Sign up for the next forum in GMRPTC accessibility series!
Below is a message from GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson. You can reach her at renee.mattson@gmrptcommission.org.
The first of four planned forums with our accessibility expert Bill Botten was hosted on February 18, and more than 50 people tuned in to learn more about accessible play areas. The comments following the forum were very positive, and we had some good suggestions for the 3rd and 4th quarter forum topics.
The next accessibility forum will take place on April 15 from 11:30am – 1:00pm and will cover the topic of Accessible Pedestrian Trails and Shared Use Paths. Registration is limited to the first 100 registrants, so be sure to sign up using the button below.
Enjoying a hike, a bike ride, a walk, a run, or a roll along a scenic route is a healthy way to spend time. This seminar will review the differences between accessible pedestrian trails and shared-use paths. Accessibility Specialist Bill Botten will review the technical and scoping requirements in the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards for newly constructed or altered pedestrian trails on federal sites and what serves as a best practice for state and local government pedestrian trail facilities. Additionally, the final scoping and technical guidelines for shared-use paths—which are designed primarily for use by bicyclists and pedestrians for transportation and recreation purposes—will be addressed. In addition to an overview of the requirements for both pedestrian trails and shared-use paths, the presenter will address participants’ questions and share common sources of confusion with these unique recreational facilities.
About Accessibility Specialist Bill Botten
Bill is an Exercise Physiology graduate of the University of Kansas. He joined the U.S. Access Board in 2000 as an accessibility specialist, technical assistance coordinator, and training coordinator for the federally designated agency that develops the accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Bill specializes in accessibility issues related to recreation facilities and outdoor developed areas, including recreational boating and fishing facilities, pedestrian trails, picnic and camping facilities, sports facilities, and play areas.
His training experience includes hundreds of presentations over the last 30 years to local, state, and national audiences on injury prevention, disability awareness, and sensitivity and accessibility issues. He was part of a team that developed the combined guidelines for the ADA and the ABA and was the lead staff for the development of guidelines for outdoor developed areas. Additionally, he has participated in several ASTM and RESNA committees for inclusive fitness equipment and play area surfaces.
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