Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for Universal Access Improvements at Argo Livery
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution approving the submission of a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management (MDNRGM) for improving universal access at the Argo Livery.
The City of Ann Arbor liveries at Argo and Gallup Parks are the busiest and largest in the state. They are also part of the Huron River Water Trail, a 104-mile inland paddling trail that was the first state designated water trail, and one of two National Water Trails in Michigan designated by the National Park Service. The water trail is part of a coalition of multiple partners led by the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC).
The concept of Universal Design or Universal Access is that environments should be designed to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability or other factors. Gallup Livery added an accessible "EZ Launch" in 2014 and it has provided access to the water for those with mobility limitations. It is also used by groups from the University of Michigan and Veterans Administration rehabilitation departments.
Parks & Recreation Services is fortunate to have the HRWC as a partner in this project. HRWC is promoting universal access through the Huron River Water Trail and Argo is one of several sites currently under development. The HRWC has committed to fundraising toward the construction of an accessible EZ Launch at Argo Livery. This would provide an accessible paddling route between the Argo and Gallup liveries.
One of the main goals identified in the current Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan is to "ensure that the park system is comprehensive, inclusive, and engaging". To do so the plan focuses on "providing opportunities for all" and says that "engaging the full diversity of the community is a core value developed by ...
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