Ward One Councillor Consults Disability Advisory Committee on HAAA Grounds Renewal Plan – TPR Hamilton | Hamilton's Civic Affairs News Site

January 12, 2021
Ward One City Councillor Maureen Wilson attended today’s video meeting of Hamilton’s Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) to ask their thoughts and needs regarding the planned renewal of the Hamilton Amateur Athletic Association Grounds.
ACPD member Paula Kilburn thanked the Councillor and City Project Manager Wes Kindree for attending the meeting, noting the City usually waits until project planning is near completion before consulting ACPD. Often this results in ACPD feedback not being implemented.
Kilburn, a person with a visual impairment, stated the park “needs to have tactile surfaces so people know if they are on a running track”, on a pathway, or “approaching a bench”. Kilburn requested the City making the public consultation website fully accessible, including the use of description text for visual figures and elements.
ACPD member Tim Nolan asked about the heritage status of the clubhouse which is on the Charlton Avenue frontage of the park. Specifically, is it designated and will this prevent making it accessible?
Project manager Kindree stated the building is listed as being of heritage interest.
“The overall look of the building will not be transformed”, Kindree stated, adding the goal is to have accessible washrooms in the building as part of the renewal. “Most of the work will be about accessibility inside”.
The City will hold a online public meeting regarding the park renewal on Feburary 4, 2021