Jefferson City Parks Accessibility & Inclusion Plan
Help us make Jefferson City's parks more accessible for everyone!
What is the plan?
This plan will study and assess ADA accessibility and disability inclusion accommodations at eight Jefferson City Parks:
- Binder Park
- Washington Park
- Community Park
- Ellis Porter Park
- Memorial Park
- McClung Park
- McKay Park
- Oak Hills Golf Course
Explore the Parks!
Jefferson City Inclusive Parks Plan
We Want Your Input!
Click the button above to take the community survey and provide your input on accessibility in these parks. We also want to hear your ideas!
We already have a parks and recreation master plan. What's different about this plan?
This plan will feature extensive site analysis by architects, landscape architects, and planners to determine specific areas for improvement at these parks, all directed and informed by public engagement. Picnic tables, sidewalks and trails, and even playgrounds can be improved to align with the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing enhanced access to persons with disabilities, whether physical or mental, that substantially limits any major life activities.
In fact, Jefferson City's 2018 Parks, Recreation and Forestry Master Plan includes specific ADA accessibility recommendations for this plan's parks. See the recommendations below, as well as site project photos on the webmap below.
Binder Park
A community favorite recreation destination, Binder Park includes opportunities for RV camping, fishing, mountain biking, and more. However, only one fishing dock is ADA compliant, and no other amenities are available for wheelchair users.
Washington Park
The 2018 Master Plan does not include specific issues associated with accessibility, but in section 4.3 Maintenance Facility Suggestions, a recommendation is made to "improve ADA accessibility at all parks, especially playgrounds." (page 63).
Community Park
A centrally located destination in Jefferson City that has received significant updates in recent years, Community Park now has zip lines, a splash pad, and improved playscapes. Its internal paths which provide access for these amenities are now ADA accessible, unlike its assessment from the 2018 Master Plan (page 45).
Ellis Porter Park, Pool, and Amphitheater
When assessed for the 2018 Master Plan, Ellis Porter Park had no ADA access within the pool area, nor the amphitheater. The amphitheater has since been updated with access ramps to the stage and seating areas, and the pool now has an ADA-compliant lift.
Memorial Park & Pool
Located on West Main Street, Memorial Park & Pool has an ADA compliant chair lift for the pool, walking trail, and playground.
The 2018 Master Plan does not include specific issues associated with accessibility, but in section 4.3 Maintenance Facility Suggestions, a recommendation is made to "improve ADA accessibility at all parks, especially playgrounds." (page 63).
McClung Park
Overlooking Jefferson City High School and Lincoln University, McClung Park features views as far as the Capitol building and the Missouri River. When assessed for the 2018 Master Plan, the park featured a community garden that lacked ADA accessibility.
McKay Park
Featuring opportunities for fishing, basketball, walking on the trail, and a playground, McKay Park is within walking distance of neighborhoods between near Southwest Boulevard and Sunset Lake Road.
Oak Hills Golf Course
The 2018 Master Plan does not include specific issues associated with accessibility at Oak Hills Golf Course, but in section 4.3 Maintenance Facility Suggestions, a recommendation is made to "improve ADA accessibility at all parks, especially playgrounds." (page 63).
Who will benefit from this plan?
Inclusive parks benefit everyone - the very young, mothers with infants, senior citizens, wheelchair users, and all individuals with disabilities. By designing parks according to principles of Universal Design, everyone can enjoy unique amenities of inclusive parks.
The need for such public spaces is greater than may be expected: recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates indicate that 13.5% of the community's population has a disability:
- With a hearing difficulty: 3.7%
- With a vision difficulty: 1.7%
- With a cognitive difficulty: 6.1%
- With an ambulatory difficulty: 6.1%
- With a self-care difficulty: 2.4%
- With an independent living difficulty: 5.8%