REMOVING BARRIERS PROJECT
Community events, park, trail and beach clean-up projects, plays, festivals and other outdoor activities provide opportunities that encourage people to have fun, participate in their community, connect with each other, and contribute to the community’s strength. Sadly, many with disabilities cannot participate due terrain barriers of public spaces where such events are held.
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During work on past community events as the Cider Swig and GHKP Make A Difference Day, the Foundation’s Parks & Environment CAB and Social Capital CAB identified barriers prohibiting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in a variety of community activities. Getting around in the physical world is something often taken for granted – and overlooked in planning and holding such events. Working with community partners, the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation is taking lead on the initiative to raise the funds needed to acquire an ADA approved temporary surface, Mobi-Mat system.
This important initiative will facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community life. The durable, 100% recycled and recyclable material, is an approved ADA temporary surface. It can be rolled out and staked in place for an event over grass, sand, gravel, snow and other rough terrain to allow wheelchairs and people with mobility issues to easily navigate, then rolled up and stored for future use.
THE OBJECTIVE
Changing the physical and social character of our greater peninsula community, and beyond, by helping to ensure that people with disabilities have physical access not only to buildings, but to other public spaces where community festivals, special events, volunteer engagement opportunities, and other community-oriented activities occur, thereby providing all equal opportunity for meaningful participation.
THE GOAL
The goal to raise $50,000 to purchase ADA compliant temporary Mobi-Mat surfacing for use by all greater Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula organizations.
Once the Mobi-Mat system is acquired, it will be available to all community organizations and agencies in the greater Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula area. The portable and removable rollout pathway will help create continuous walkways and equal access for all recreational users – including wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and pedestrians alike by providing access on unstable ground.