City Manager George Noe, in his response to federal complaints that 115 City Parks are not accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, stated, “The park land in the remaining complaints (73 City Parks) has not been altered since 1994, and therefore, does not fall within the guidelines noted, 28 CFR 35, Americans with Disabilities Act,” meaning that Noe believes the City has not been required to make these parks accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. What was Noe thinking?

“On the CONTRARY, existing facilities (section 35,150) must, also, be readily accessible and useable for individuals with disabilities. Accordingly, we believe that all of the park facilities (115 City Parks) noted in our previous correspondence must be reviewed and made readily accessible and useable for individuals with disabilities”, wrote Ms. Dianne A. Spriggs, U. S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, EEO Manager in her July 3, 2008 reply to Noe.

Mr. Noe stated in writing to Ms. Spriggs that the city parks in these pictures, and many others, were inspected on January 7, 2008 and found in compliance with the ADA. The pictures in this article do not lie about the accessibility of these parks. Mr. Noe was not telling the truth in his letter to Spriggs.

City Management responsible for City Parks and ADA Compliance, Assistant City Manager Margie Rose, Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Gavlik, and the City ADA Coordinator and Director of Human Relations Leon Bazar, all chose not to comment on whether or not they agreed with and supported City Manager Noe in his response to Ms. Spriggs.

For more information about other acts of discrimination against persons with disabilities by City Management and City Government, please take a look at the other articles which I have posted at this site. Please send written comments to ccpwd@yahoo.com and also post at this site.