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Simsbury Meadows performing-arts parking and access plan discussed; organizers to test off-site parking and shuttle options
Summary
Commissioners and the Board of Selectmen liaison discussed a proposal from Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts organizers to create off-site accessible parking and shuttle service; concerns centered on whether people with disability placards should pay for parking, cart accessibility, and coordination of van services
Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center accessibility concerns — parking, drop-off and transportation — were the focus of extended discussion at the Aging & Disability Commission meeting.
Diana (Board of Selectmen liaison) told commissioners that Simpact/Simsbury Meadows organizers proposed a designated off-site accessible parking area near Ace Hardware on Station Street with rented multi‑passenger vehicles to shuttle patrons and their belongings to the venue gate. The shuttle would be free for patrons with accessible parking tags, Diana said, and the area would be cordoned off for accessible parking.
Commissioners raised several practical concerns: whether patrons with disability placards would be required to pay for the off-site parking, how large the shuttle vehicles would be and whether the carts would be accessible for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids, and whether shuttle buses used now are suitably accessible. Several commissioners suggested recruiting an accessible-vehicle vendor (a van service that can accommodate wheelchairs) to operate shuttles so vehicles would not occupy venue parking spaces for long periods.
Cheryl and others suggested creating multiple approaches — an off-site designated accessible lot with shuttles, vendor-run van services, and a managed drop-off lane for cars with disability placards so drivers could drop off and immediately exit without taking a permanent spot. Commissioners noted past operational problems: limited accessible stalls at the venue, congestion in the drop-off area and that private vendors control some parking at the site.
Diana said she would meet with Simpact’s executive director on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and would raise these points: whether parking fees can be waived for placarded vehicles using the off-site lot, how shuttles will be made accessible, and whether an accessible van service could be arranged so buses do not occupy handicap spaces.
The discussion emphasized solutions rather than a single fix: commissioners asked Simpact to test the proposed off-site lot and shuttle approach, ensure carts or shuttles are accessible, provide a drop-off option near a curb cut for placarded vehicles, and consider contracting accessible-vehicle providers to limit parking occupancy time at the venue.
