San Rafael, CA – History is in the making to create more recreational opportunities in Marin County for people with physical challenges. Marin County Parks is developing its first-ever plan to increase the equitability of access to County open spaces and give visitors increased flexibility in how they make use of the preserves according to their own physical abilities.
The public is invited to learn more about the Inclusive Access Plan from 6-8 p.m. May 19 in San Rafael. It will be the first of two community workshops at which Parks staff will share information and collect feedback from attendees.
Parks has evaluated existing conditions at its open space preserves and identified a list of candidates for a destination-oriented trail system to be part of the Inclusive Access Plan. Those participating in the workshop will hear more about the trail evaluations, existing policies, guidelines and standards then be asked to help select the initial set of trails that will best provide meaningful experiences and provide access to the greatest number of trail users.
Parks is reaching out to organizations and stakeholders who have a primary interest in access issues to help weigh in on the Inclusive Access Plan. Its development will include review and analysis of current state, federal and county requirements, standards, and best-practice guidelines. Parks staff hopes to finish the plan by spring 2016.
The May 19 meeting will take place at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus at 3240 Kerner Boulevard, at the corner of Kerner and Bellam boulevards. A second meeting will be announced later.
The Inclusive Access Plan is funded by Measure A, a quarter-cent retail transactions and use tax passed in November 2012 to care for Marin’s existing parks and open spaces, support regional community parks projects and programs, and further farmland preservation.