Spring Lake ADA Assessment Paper

Introduction to site describe the site, what forms of recreation they

offer. A history of the location and if they offer any assistance for individuals
that may need it.

Our group observed and recorded our analysis of the ADA checklist at
the Meadows Center- Spring Lake Hall. This facility houses the Glass bottom
boat tours as well as the outdoor/environmental learning activities for Texas
State. This facility was built in 2002, its sole purpose was to house a learning
center for groups and individuals to come and learn about the environment
around the San Marcos River. It also houses many aquariums for guest to see
the wildlife that roam the San Marcos river and its banks. Overall, we
collected sufficient amounts of data that supported their accessibility which
represented Texas State and Spring Lake Hall very well.

Priority #1 Accessible approach and entrance write a summary of

findings. If modifications are needed then recommendations should be
made. Use terms/measurements from class and packet.

When we got there they only had a couple of accessible spots available
for use. Out of all the spots that were available 3 of them were smaller than
the required width. They only had one van accessible spot that had an
access aisle that was wide enough for a ramp to come down out of the van
and let the person out of the vehicle. There was only one ramp to get into
the main building. If you wanted to go the other way and get closer to the
river you would have to go off road on a gravel trail. Once you did that you
would have to make your way back to the trail to get to the ramp. There was
no access point from the river to the building without the use of stairs. Once
you got up the profound ramp getting inside was a breeze! They have the
doors easy open, all you have to do is push the accessible button and both of
them opened up. The doors were wide enough for a wheelchair to get
through plus 2 feet of either side.

Priority #2 Access to goods and services - write a summary of findings.

If modifications are needed then recommendations should be made. Be sure
to comment on services to accessibility. Ex. If it is a golf course can you
actually access the course, greens etc. in a wheelchair, with a cane or
walker? Use terms/measurements from class and packet.

Within this section of our research, we found that the facility met most
ADA requirements. Though there were few things that the facility did not
have such as sales counters, lifts and ramps inside the building, checkout
lanes, and dressing rooms. The entrance was only required to inches wide
and it turned out to be 71 inches wide which gave plenty of room to move
around. We did find that there were some objects that were protruding in the
entrance area that were taking up some space but the objects could be
easily removed. The elevator was a part of the lobby area and also met the
requirements with the signs, buttons, and doors. The required size of the
elevator was only for it to be 54 inches by 36 inches and the elevator in
Spring Lake Hall was 92 inches by 68 inches with a 47 inch door opening
width. All the signs throughout the exhibit were at an appropriate height and
had braille on them. The exhibit itself was very functional and all aisles and
pathways were accessible. The exhibit also contained a small theater at the
back and it made up of chairs placed in rows so they to easily be removed to
make it accessible. Overall I dont see much need for improvement with
these requirements.

Priority #3 Access to public toilet rooms - write a summary of findings. If

modifications are needed then recommendations should be made. Use
terms/measurements from class and packet.

The toilet rooms were quite an adventure to say the least! The
bathrooms had one accessible stall in both the restrooms. The signs were
clearly marked that they were accessible to anybody. Opening the door was
easy because all you had to do was push it open, it stayed open for the full 5
seconds that it needed to. Once you got in the lobby area you had enough
room for full movement to do a 720 degree 3 point turn, this place was
spacious! Getting to the stall there were no problems, closing the door could
have been a problem for some. There wasnt a door handle on the inside so
you couldnt shut it, you had to grab either the door or the lock. All of the
bars were up to code and placed perfectly in the bathroom. Once you got out
of the stall, you were able to get under the sink so you could wash your
hands. The only problem that we found there was that one of the sinks did
not have the pipes covered underneath. Everything else was easily
accessible. The door had to have a little pressure behind it to get it open.

Priority #4 Access to other items such as water fountains and public

telephones - write a summary of findings. If modifications are needed then
recommendations should be made. Use terms/measurements from class and
packet.

Unfortunately, so soon after the flood, water fountains were a part of

this facility that currently was unavailable to public use. In addition to the
general population not being able to use the water fountains, there is a good
chance special populations would not be able to use this facility as well. The
clearance area around these water fountains was not large enough for a
wheelchair to easily access the area. The height was just right for access, but
with the amount of exhibits in such a small space, although provided a cool
learning experience, did not allow a lot of room for movement for those who
may need it. In addition, there was not a phone that met regulations
available for public use.

Conclusion of site wrap up the study. Discuss what you both learned or
did not learn from this process.
Collectively, we learned a lot from this assignment. As group, we were
amazed at all the parts that make up an ADA approved facility. There are so
many different aspects from the distance of parking spots to a handrail in a
stall! It is truly eye-opening to see the various parts that have to be taken
into consideration when building/ running a facility. This assignment allowed
us the opportunity to see how important the positions as Recreation
Therapists and advocates for accessible activities really are.