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As part of its mission, The Ability Center helps communities become more universally accessible and provides recreational opportunities to people impacted by disabilities and those without physical limitations. This organization strives to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the same recreational facilities and outdoor spaces.
One notable project that exemplifies The Ability Center’s mission was the development of an all-inclusive access path at Bradford Beach on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The site design team at raSmith collaborated with The Ability Center and Milwaukee County Parks to bring this vision to life.
This first-of-its-kind project includes a safe, accessible route from the Oak Leaf Trail along Lincoln Memorial Drive down to the water’s edge and other amenities that exceed ADA standards. The route utilized a 100-foot-long Mobi Mat pathway, which provides a stable, slip-resistant surface that is easy to navigate. This design helps ensure everyone in the community has access to the beach to enjoy the lakefront. The pathway was designed to be wide enough to allow two wheelchairs to navigate down to the water, and includes an extension so those with physical limitations can access the concessions.
Licensed landscape architect, Tom Mortensen, PLA, ASLA, along with the firm’s site design team, provided site design services for this project including the development of a schematic design with a layout of the entry plaza, accessible ramp, and steps down to the beach. Additionally, they prepared a planting plan for the “beachscape” that included native dune grasses and other native plantings suitable for the sandy beach conditions.
A monument stone was placed at the site to recognize the significance of this project to the overall community, which includes braille for those with visual limitations. A ribbon-cutting event was held on Friday, July 24, 2020, the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), at Bradford Beach to celebrate the completion of this new, all-inclusive access path for everybody. The design team donated their professional time to The Ability Center to see that this project was completed by this important milestone date.
“It’s been such an incredible journey and a pleasure working with genuine people with great hearts,” said Damian Buchman, founder & executive director of The Ability Center.
This project received a 2020 Top Projects Award from The Daily Reporter and a 2021 Professional Award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (WI ASLA).
Article Credit: Landscape Architecture & Specifier News (LASN)