Bourne board approves one new accessible parking space at Veterans Memorial Community Center

The Bourne Select Board voted on July 7 to add one additional accessible parking space at the Bourne Veterans Memorial Community Center and asked staff to report back with a layout and any necessary curb or signage changes.

Deb, who requested the change on behalf of center users, described frequent full accessible spaces during peak programs such as chair-yoga sessions that draw about 50 participants. “We have 4 in the front, and we have 4 in the back,” she said, adding that front spaces are used for check-in and that peak arrivals create security and access concerns for older adults.

Building Commissioner Eleanor McKay reviewed the lot and said the town already exceeds the code minimum for accessible spaces at the community center (8 provided; 5 required for a lot of this size) but acknowledged that the distribution of spaces makes front-door access difficult for many program participants. “I look at the size of the lot, the uses on the lot that are served by it, and then the location of the accessible spots,” McKay said. “We do have 8 and they’re divided — 4 in the front and 4 in the back.”

Board members noted the town currently meets minimum code but also stressed reasonable accommodations when a demonstrated need exists; one member pointed to policy questions about consistent application across town properties. The Select Board voted 4–0–1 in favor of adding a single front accessible space and directed DPW to return a plan showing required changes and any lost parking.

What’s next: DPW will prepare a plan for the pavement markings and signage changes needed to add the space and estimate any construction or funding needs; the policy subcommittee will review broader standards for additional accessible spaces at town facilities.