Project Overview
As part of its inspiring mission, The Ability Center helps communities become more universally accessible and provides inclusive recreational opportunities to people impacted by disabilities and those without physical limitations (everyBODY). The site design team at raSmith collaborated with The Ability Center and Milwaukee County Parks to develop an all-inclusive access path at Bradford Beach on Lake Michigan in Milwaukee.
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 using beach mats and other amenities that exceed ADA standards. This design will help ensure everyone in the community has access to the beach for enjoying the lakefront. raSmith donated a portion of the proceeds from their design services to The Ability Center to help see the project through to completion under a tight time frame.
A ribbon-cutting event was held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Bradford Beach to celebrate the completion of the new, all-inclusive access path for everyBODY on the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990).
“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).
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