4.2 General Recommendations
4.2.1 Accessibility, Safety, Comfort and Usability
Accessibility is often discussed as a standalone issue, with the focus on meeting minimum requirements – usually this means complying with AODA standards. However, the general improvements discussed here have multiple, overlapping benefits that not only address accessibility, but serve to support public health and make the spaces safer, more comfortable, and more usable (e.g. in different seasons, and for different activities).
Examples of upgrades to playground accessibility include:
• Poured in place rubber or rubber tile safety/fall surface • Cast in place flush concrete curb around perimeter of playground to retain safety surface and allow for barrier free access • Playground design that meets minimum accessibility requirements as per CAN/ CSA Z614-07 Annex H: Children’s Playspaces and equipment that are accessible to persons with disabilities Further, all new development parks should incorporate accessibility in the design phase. This can be accomplished by updating the Tillsonburg Development Guidelines and Design Criteria to include accessible models. For example, section 15.16 Park Benches should be updated to include an accessible bench model, and specifications for how many of the benches provided by the developer must be accessible. Updates to the guidelines, and park accessibility updates should be made in discussion with the Town’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. AODA-compliant signage that is consistent with the Town’s Design Guidelines should be provided at all parks, trail access points, facility entrances, throughout the sites as needed, and along major routes.
AODA Accessibility
Parks need to be upgraded over time to address accessibility. This is an important component of integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in Tillsonburg’s parks and recreation system. Infrastructure must meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standard requirements regarding seating (benches and picnic tables), playground equipment, playground safety surface, and pavement surface/path of travel (including tactile warning strips, handrails, and ramps). Safe and accessible paths of travel should be provided through parks with connections to amenities. Currently, Tillsonburg has an accessible play structure at Memorial Park, and will have another at Library Park once it is completed. Tillsonburg has an unofficial playground replacement plan, with three parks updated in 2023. As part of this process, the Town aims to include accessible play features and pathways in all new parks. As parks are updated and made accessible, the Town inventory and website should be updated to reflect this and notify the community.
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Town of Tillsonburg | DRAFT Parks and Recreation Master Plan
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