OutdoorNebraska

40 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • Floating The Good Life U N I V E R S A L L Y A C C E S S I B L E W A T E R A C C E S S E S Designing a way to access the water that is deemed "universally accessible" means to provide access for persons with disabilities. That would be correct, at face value, but who is that actually addressing? It can be associated with a person having a physical mobility, visual impairment, or perceptual challenge being provided a design solution that allows them to engage in recreation. However, do not stop with that basic definition. From young to old, abilities differ – not only from person to person, but also change within each individual as they go through life. Water access design that can accommodate the widest range of the population is the goal to provide opportunities that allow all individuals a place to get out onto Nebraska's waterways. Accessibility standards are set forth as a civil rights law under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) (ADA.gov). While there are not currently federal standards specific to water access landings within the Act, incorporating ADA design standards as best as possible and feasible for your project is highly encouraged. ADA standards and universally accessible provisions to other aspects of a water access project involving parking, walkways, trails, restroom facilities, and other use amenities should be incorporated throughout all parts your project. The term accessibility in regards to constructing water accesses is identifying the way in which an individual approaches and navigates an activity. In the case of this guidance document, transferring from land to watercraft at the river or lake edge is accessibility. From the arrival on site through the approach to the landing, appropriate surface materials that provide solid traction is essential. Rigid pavements such as concrete or asphalt provide the greatest stability; however, compacted aggregates or other proprietary products focused on accessible paths of travel may also be considered. Do not forget to weigh the material selection with the required maintenance for that material to sustain its usability. Refer to the design and maintenance sections of this guide for alternative materials and ways they sustain during periods of high water and sediment deposit in considering the preferred alternative for your project. Ask the fundamental question "can a person with a physical mobility or an able bodied person of any age be able to travel across this surface material?" The gradient, or "steepness," of the path of travel to the landing is equally important to solve in design of the project. Gradient and surface materials are the two primary pieces in determining whether the path of travel designed is accessible. ADA standards define an accessible pathway gradient as not exceeding 5 percent (1 foot of elevation change in 20 linear feet). There are accessible standards for trail design, which increase the percent of gradient for limited distances and with resting intervals (Example: United States Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines, fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility/). It is encouraged to provide a path of travel that meets the ADA standards of 5 percent or less. Steps down to the landing are not recommended unless a separate walk is also provided. It may not be possible with some project locations that are limited on space or along a deep riverbank setting to achieve full ADA compliance. In those cases design to the greatest extent possible. In designing the surface and gradient of your arrival and approach to the water access landing, do not forget that not only are you designing for the person themselves but that oftentimes they will have their canoe, kayak, or tube in tow. Design with the whole picture in mind of how person and craft make their way down to the water to recreate. The design of the transfer from land to water is perhaps the greatest challenge in providing a universal water access. Having all the preceding parts of the arrival and approach to the landing accessible, but not the landing itself would be an opportunity missed. The characteristics and behaviors of the water body – stream, river, or lake, will vary and dictate the type of design solution best suited to make your landing as inclusive as possible. Several of the design alternatives addressed already – ramps, parallel landings, and open shoreline can be appropriate (provided the right surface materials and gradient is achieved) if designed in the way a person needs in order to make a safe transfer to their watercraft.

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