![]() ![]() Recent entrance and bathroom modifications at multiple field houses have enhanced access for wheelchair users and others with mobility limitations. This commitment is ongoing, proactive, and intended to meet the needs of a diversity of individuals with disabilities. The Chicago Park District is committed to making its facilities accessible to and usable by all patrons and visitors. Thank you in advance for your participation. Be assured that all answers will be kept confidential and that the only purpose of our asking is to provide better service to all park patrons. The survey will take less than 5 minutes to complete. Toward that goal, we invite you to share your thoughts and opinions by completing a brief survey regarding accessibility information at the Chicago Park District. The Chicago Park District strives to ensure that information about accessibility in the parks is readily available to patrons with disabilities and their families. The Disability Policy Office also advises all departments on the development and implementation of policies and programs inclusive of patrons with disabilities. It plays an integral role in the prioritization of ADA capital projects and identifying ways to improve accessibility to facilities. The Disability Policy Office oversees Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Illinois Accessibility Code/Chicago Building Code compliance initiatives and guides the Park District’s efforts to create a fully accessible park system. Kudos to the volunteers who maintain the VCT! If the Damascus-Whitetop section had the same type of trail surface as the Damascus-Abingdon section, I would have given this trail 5 stars.Disability Policy Office Larry Labiak, Disability Policy OfficerĪccessible Facilities | Special Recreation Programs | Reasonable Accommodations | Anaphylaxis Policy | Compliance | ADA Complaint Reporting Procedure As a community volunteer myself, I know that the work of maintaining a trail, bridges, historic stations and signage on public land is never done and is done in inches and feet when materials are finally available. It is also a great trail for all the access points and available accommodations within a short drive of them. Frequent, decent toilet facilities and having them marked on the trail map were very much appreciated. The info boards provided really interesting history and nature facts. I didn't have trouble determining the trail direction, although had to stop to read the small signage at a few junctions. I can imagine how colourful the trail is when the rhododendron are blooming in June. The Holston River (South Fork) and Berry Creek are also scenic, but not always visible from the trail. Laurel Creek is in view for much of the Whitetop section. ![]() I saw a trout jumping up one of the many small cascades in Laurel Creek, saw a hawk swoop down and pick a fish out of the creek, saw turkey vultures picking clean the bones of a carcass on the trail, and saw a Great Blue Heron and deer. The scenery is worth stopping for though. On the Damascus-Abingdon section I averaged 11mph in both directions, stopping most often to pass through pasture gates. To take in the beautiful scenery along the trail, I stopped rather than looking up and hitting a rock. I was happy to have the trail almost to myself so I could weave back and forth to the best side of the trail when necessary. On the trip down from Whitetop I only averaged 7.5, for the same reason - braking hard to miss as many rocks as I could see in the leaves. On the ride to Whitetop from Damascus I averaged 7 mph, partly because of the elevation gain, but partly because the trail surface was so rocky I was afraid to bounce right off my seat. I noticed that folks on fatter tires bumped right up over bridge decks, where I often had to stop and walk my bike over the ridge between the trail and bridge deck. I rode a road bike with 33" tires - acceptable for the Abingdon-Damascus section, very rough for the Damascus-Whitetop section. Second, I rode the VCT in less-than-idea conditions: Autumn leaves obscured much of the trail surface, temps 32-42 with some frozen ground and fallen walnuts. First, let me preface this review by saying my standard to which all trails are measured is the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |