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Disability awareness committee celebrates 50 years, honors Parks and Recreation for accessibility work
Summary
The Rapid City Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee marked its 50th anniversary at the March 3 City Council meeting, praised city departments for accessibility efforts, and presented an annual award to the Parks and Recreation Department for recent projects including a Roosevelt Pool lift and the accessible Dinosaur Park renovation.
Tammy Hoff, a representative of the Rapid City Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee, told the City Council on Monday that the committee is marking its 50th year and urged continued focus on access for people with disabilities.
"We really promote accessibility in our community as a, really a goal and a vision that benefits people of all abilities," Hoff said, describing the committee's role connecting citizens with city staff and other organizations to resolve accessibility concerns.
The committee presented its annual recognition award to the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department. Mayor Solomon and Parks Director Jeff Beagler accepted the award on behalf of the department.
Hoff cited several recent achievements that the committee helped advance: a mobility lift installed at the Roosevelt Park whirlpool and the completion of the Dinosaur Park renovation, which the committee said made that attraction accessible "to people of all abilities for the first time." Hoff said the committee currently has 11 volunteers and participates on six city study groups, and that the city’s ADA transition plan—last updated in 2011—should be revised.
Beagler thanked the committee and said the department manages about 1,700 acres of park space. He noted the Dinosaur Park renovation as a recent priority and mentioned ongoing collaboration with groups including Black Hills Works and Special Olympics. "We are committed in providing the best facilities and programs available to all residents of Rapid City," Beagler said.
Council members praised the committee’s long history and the city’s approach to planning and design. Councilor Evans said Rapid City has been "ahead of the curve" on accessibility and thanked volunteers and staff. Councilor Greg Stroman recounted a personal experience emphasizing the need for accessible seating and circulation at public venues.
The committee said it welcomes public inquiries and plans an open house at City Hall on Sept. 15 to mark its anniversary and to raise awareness about resources for people with disabilities.
The presentation also noted the city recently named Marlo Capsa as the ADA coordinator in the Planning and Community Development Department, a role the committee said will give broader reach to ADA-related work across departments.
The discussion at the council meeting was a presentation and award; no formal council action was required or taken on the committee's report.
