ADA Scandal Rocks Keystone City Park

Keystone City Park, once marred by an ADA violation scandal, is now fully accessible to all citizens of the community. On December 19, 2012, a complaint was filed with the United States Civil Rights Division, pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alleging the playground equipment at the city park in Keystone, South Dakota, was not accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs.

City officials in Keystone cooperated with the investigation and developed a Master Plan to bring Keystone’s Watson Park in compliance with the ADA. The plan included removing sand and installing wood fiber safety surfaces around the playground equipment, developing a more accessible route to the playground, installing additional playground stations, and renovating the parking lot to include van accessible parking space.

With the modifications, the parking lot is now equipped with accessible parking spaces and appropriate signage for van accessible parking, the sand around the playground has been replaced with a more stable, firm, and slip-resistant wood fiber surface, and the gazebo and playgrounds have an accessible route within the playground equipment. These renovations provide an ADA-accessible place for people with disabilities to picnic, relax, and play.

The City of Keystone remains committed to providing accessibility to all individuals. The Civil Rights Division of the United States investigates allegations of ADA violations and provides information about the ADA through a toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) and (800) 514-0383 (TDD), or visit www.ada.gov for more information.

The ADA violation scandal highlights the importance of ensuring equal access to public spaces for individuals with disabilities. City officials have taken a crucial step towards rectifying the violation and providing a safe and inclusive environment for all citizens.

While the City of Keystone has taken steps to address the ADA violation, it is essential to continue monitoring and enforcing accessibility standards in public spaces to prevent similar incidents.

As the community comes together to enjoy the renovated park, it serves as a reminder of the importance of equality and accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

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