Benchgate is over: Romare Bearden Park now open to all
The Story
All entrances to Romare Bearden Park are now open, ending a dispute over equal access.
@Charlotte_Five A team moved the benches in front in the stairways at Romare Bearden Park. pic.twitter.com/o4zDilP50I
— T Reitz (@reitz37) March 10, 2015
//><!--(Thanks, @reitz37, for the heads up!)//--><!
Refresh your memory
– About two months ago, a curious thing happened at uptown’s Bearden Park: the west side entrance near the big fountain was closed off.
– The entryway had a short step of stairs users had to take to get into the park.
– A civil rights complaint said the set-up denied access to people using wheelchairs.
– As it sorted out its options, the county immediately placed benches across the entrances to restrict access to everybody. It was odd.
Benches block entrances to Romare Bearden Park after complaint about accessibility http://t.co/4B8JldjqtX pic.twitter.com/XEVrSImzRl
— Charlotte Observer (@theobserver) January 16, 2015
Should we handicap the masses in every area that ANY group lacks ability? Not everyone’s as smart as you so… http://t.co/fKsbqkU3Pk
— Stephen L Belle Isle (@sbelleisle) January 17, 2015
– 8 weeks and $23,500 later, a new ramp is in and the entrances are now open.
But what about the poop problem?
Photos by Mark Hames, Andrew Dunn, Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published March 24, 2015 at 9:35 AM with the headline "Benchgate is over: Romare Bearden Park now open to all."