Site Accessibility Evaluation

Americans with Disabilities Act
Title II (Public Services: State and Local Government)

George Fellows Park

5711 Tuckerman Dr

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Accessibility Evaluation

Inspection Date: 12/09/2021

Inspectors: Robert Hernandez

Prepared By

City of Colorado Springs

(719) 385 - 5175

https://coloradosprings.gov/

Report Date: 02/28/2025

FOR RECORD:

FROM: Robert L. Hernandez, Title II ADA/Section 504 – Manager

DATE: 02/28/2025

SUBJECT: George Fellows Park Self-Evaluation

1. On 12/09/2021, Title II ADA / Section 504 Coordinator(s) from the Office of Accessibility performed a Title II - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation. This evaluation was performed in accordance with 1991/2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

2. Priorities for removing barriers are assigned in accordance with the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities, promulgated by the ADA National Network. The checklist follows the four priorities listed in the Department of Justice ADA Title III regulations. These priorities are equally applicable to state and local government facilities:

Priority 1 - Accessible approach and entrance
Priority 2 - Access to goods and services
Priority 3 - Access to public toilet rooms
Priority 4 - Access to other items such as water fountains and public telephones

3. Corrective actions to findings were / will be submitted to the City maintenance work request system and will be managed in accordance with the City Transition Plan. Note: Recommended corrections may be modified where appropriate. Corrections are developed in consideration of the “Program Access” provisions of Title II, where applicable.

4. A copy of this report will be maintained by the Office of Accessibility. Updates to the findings included in this report will be available at the following link: https://access6.bluedag.com/access/barriers/GfhHF91nlvMItTaD4rVzj85XBKNZxywJ. Alternatively, this link is available from the Office of Accessibility’s webpage on the City of Colorado Springs website.

City of Colorado Springs Title II ADA/Section 504 – Manager
30 S. Nevada Ave, Suite 301
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
ADACompliance@coloradosprings.gov

Atch 1. City of Colorado Springs, ADA Self-Evaluation Report

Sincerely,

Robert Hernandez

Findings

Public Right of Way

BFID: 192818

There is no pedestrian access route in the street parking area.

A curb ramp, blended transition, or a combination of curb ramps and blended transitions shall connect the pedestrian access routes at each pedestrian street crossing. The curb ramp (excluding any flared sides) or blended transition shall be contained wholly within the width of the pedestrian street crossing served.

Citation:

2011 PROWAG Section R207.1
A curb ramp, blended transition, or a combination of curb ramps and blended transitions complying with R304 (Curb Ramps and Blended Transitions) shall connect the pedestrian access routes at each pedestrian street crossing. The curb ramp (excluding any flared sides) or blended transition shall be contained wholly within the width of the pedestrian street crossing served.

As Built:

There is no accessible route from the on-street parking on Tuckerman Dr. This route into the park is the most feasible to achieve a compliant running slope up to the playground and seating.

Recommendation:

Add a curb ramp.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

BFID: 192797

The accessible path of travel has cross slopes greater than 2%.

Surface cross slopes shall not exceed one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope). When the slope in the direction of travel of any walk exceeds 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), it must be constructed as a ramp.

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

The path down Tuckerman Dr has 36 out of 37 pads of concrete with excessive cross-slope measuring up to 4.7%. 30 of these pads are 3% or more.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace concrete to compliance.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Image that depicts the citation requirements of the code or standard

BFID: 189306

Ground cover vegetation at the sign on Tuckerman Dr covers a portion of the sidewalk.

A 36 inch minimum clear walking surface is required.

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.5.1
Except as provided in 403.5.2 and 403.5.3, the clear width of walking surfaces shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.

As Built:

The sidewalk on Tuckerman Dr is reduced to 32".

Recommendation:

Keep the vegetation trimmed to the edge of the sidewalk.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

Accessible Routes

BFID: 192909

The walkway contains abrupt vertical edges and/or variations over a 1/2 inch.

1/4 inch is the maximum vertical rise. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch must be beveled at 1:2 or less.

Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch must be by way of a ramp.

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 303.3
Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.
2010 ADAS Section 303.2
Changes in level of 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall be permitted to be vertical.

As Built:

The stamped concrete is also is more than 1/2" deep - wide and high throughout this area.

Recommendation:

Take the stamped concrete out.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

BFID: 189307

The accessible route on the site contains running slopes greater than 5% and has not been constructed as a ramp (i.e. handrails, wheel guides, etc.).

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

The running slope of the sidewalk is excessive. The stamped concrete has running slope up to 8%. The stamping also is more than 1/2" deep throughout.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace the stamped concrete area, remediating the running slope.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

Stamped concrete with excessive slopes and vertical displacement

BFID: 189308

There are 4 pads of concrete with running slope between 6.4% and 7%.

The accessible route on the site contains running slopes greater than 5% and has not been constructed as a ramp (i.e. handrails, wheel guides, etc.).

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

The running slope of the path into the park from Tuckerman Dr. toward the playground is excessive.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace to provide maximum 5% running slope.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

BFID: 192798

Citation:

As Built:

On the route into the park from Tuckerman Dr. where the path connects to the stamped concrete seating area just before the playground turn, there is a 1/2" vertical displacement between pads.

Recommendation:

Grind to less than 1/2" bevel.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

BFID: 192799

The T-shaped or circular turning space has excessive slopes.

Surface slopes greater than 1:48 (2.08%) are not permitted.

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 304.2
Floor or ground surfaces of a turning space shall comply with 302. Changes in level are not permitted.
2010 ADAS Section 304.2 Exception
Slopes not steeper than 1:48 shall be permitted.

As Built:

The turn to the playground has a slope of 3.6%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace concrete at this turn to compliance.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

BFID: 192800

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

The section of accessible route that runs from the playground turn to the stamped concrete turn into the park, there are two pads of concrete with cross slope measuring 2.5%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace pads to compliance.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

BFID: 192801

The concrete expansion joint is spaced greater than 1/2 inch.

Openings in floor or ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch diameter. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 302.3
Openings in floor or ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter except as allowed in 407.4.3, 409.4.3, 410.4, 810.5.3 and 810.10. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.

As Built:

There is a 1" gap where the concrete path meets the stamped concrete turn just east of the playground.

Recommendation:

Fill the gap.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

BFID: 192802

The T-shaped or circular turning space has excessive slopes.

Surface slopes greater than 1:48 (2.08%) are not permitted.

Citation:

As Built:

This turn, just east of the playground, has a slope of 5.7%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace concrete to compliance.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

BFID: 192803

The accessible route has running slopes greater than 5% and has not been constructed as a ramp (i.e. handrails,edge protection, etc.). Cross slopes are greater than 2% across the width of the walk.

When the slope in the direction of travel of any walk exceeds 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), it must be constructed as a ramp. Surface cross slopes must not exceed 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope).

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

On this section of the route that runs from the turn just east of the playground to the turn that goes east to the library or west to Oro Grande, there are 37 out of 42 pads of concrete with high cross slope and/or running slope. The cross slope is more than 2% and measures as high as 5.2% on 10 pads of concrete while the running slope is between 5.2% and 7.7% on 31 pads. Only the last 3 pads of this group have cross slopes that exceed 3%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace concrete with excessive cross slope. Because of the existing terrain, it is likely not feasible to achieve a compliant running slope on this section of the accessible route.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

BFID: 189324

The tree branches extend down too close to the route of travel.

Any obstruction that overhangs a route of travel must be a minimum of 80 inches above the walking surface as measured from the bottom of the obstruction.

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 307.4
Vertical clearance shall be 80 inches (2030 mm) high minimum. Guardrails or other barriers shall be provided where the vertical clearance is less than 80 inches (2030 mm) high. The leading edge of such guardrail or barrier shall be located 27 inches (685 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

Status:

Corrected

As Built:

The sidewalk is obstructed by vegetation.

Recommendation:

Keep the trees trimmed back to provide at least 80" of headroom.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Corrected Condition:

The trees were trimmed back.

BFID: 192830

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

This section of the accessible route that runs between turns on the triangular convergence of paths down from the library has 5 pads of concrete with a high running slope and/or cross slope. Cross slope measures up to 3% on 1 pad and running slope measures between 5.5% and 7.9% for 4 pads.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace pads with high cross slope. It may not be feasible to achieve a compliant running slope on this stretch due to the existing terrain.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

BFID: 192827

The T-shaped or circular turning space has excessive slopes.

Surface slopes greater than 1:48 (2.08%) are not permitted.

Citation:

As Built:

This turn, located on the northwest side of the triangular convergence of paths, has a slope of 5.8%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace concrete at this turn to compliance.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

BFID: 192829

The accessible route has running slopes greater than 5% and has not been constructed as a ramp (i.e. handrails, edge protection, etc.). Cross slopes are greater than 2% across the width of the walk.

When the slope in the direction of travel of any walk exceeds 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), it must be constructed as a ramp. Surface cross slopes must not exceed 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2-percent slope).

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

This section of the accessible route that runs between turns on the triangular convergence of paths down from the library has 11 out of 12 pads of concrete with a high running slope and/or cross slope. Cross slope measures from 3.5 to 5.5% over 6 pads, and running slope measures between 5.7% and 9.5% over 7 pads. 3 exceed 8.33%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace pads with high cross slope. It may not be feasible to achieve a compliant running slope on this stretch due to the existing terrain.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

BFID: 192835

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

The section of the accessible route that runs from the triangular convergence of turns down from the library northwest to the sculpture has 19 pads of concrete with a high running slope and/or cross slope. Cross slope measures between 2.5% and 3% on 4 pads while running slope is in excess of 5% and as high as 10.6% on 15 pads. 5 of the pads exceed 8.33%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace pads with high cross slope. It is likely not feasible to achieve a compliant running slope on this section of route due to the existing terrain.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

BFID: 189311

The tree branches extend down too close to the route of travel. The sidewalk is reduced in width. The tree completely covers a cigarette receptacle.

Any obstruction that overhangs a route of travel must be a minimum of 80 inches above the walking surface as measured from the bottom of the obstruction.

Citation:

Status:

Corrected

As Built:

The tree branches obstruct the sidewalk.

Recommendation:

Trim the vegetation back to the edge of the sidewalk.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Corrected Condition:

The tree/bush was removed.

BFID: 192836

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

The section of the path that runs from the sculpture to the turn to the playground has 18 pads of concrete with a high cross slope measuring up to 4.5%. 8 of the pads are at or over 3% cross slope.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace pads to compliance.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

BFID: 192837

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

The path leading to the playground has 8 pads of concrete with excessive cross-slope measuring between 2.4% and 3.3%. 3 pads are over 3% cross slope.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace pads to compliance.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Pavilion and Sculpture Area

BFID: 189327

The surface of the pedestrian access route has vertical discontinuities greater than 1/2 inch or between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch that are not beveled. There is a gap that exceeds 1/2".

Citation:

2011 PROWAG Section R302.7.2
Vertical surface discontinuities shall be 13 mm (0.5 in) maximum. Vertical surface discontinuities between 6.4 mm (0.25 in) and 13 mm (0.5 in) shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 50 percent. The bevel shall be applied across the entire vertical surface discontinuity.Advisory R302.7.2 Vertical Surface Discontinuities. The allowance for vertical surface discontinuities is for occasional expansion joints and objects such as utility covers, vault frames, and gratings that cannot be located in another portion of the sidewalk outside the pedestrian access route. However, objects such as utility covers, vault frames, and gratings should not be located on curb ramp runs, blended transitions, turning spaces, or gutter areas within the pedestrian access route. This may not always be possible in alterations, but should be avoided wherever possible. Vertical surface discontinuities between unit pavers should be minimized.

As Built:

The stamped concrete is deep resulting in 1/2"+ vertical displacement over most of the surface. There are also 3/4" gaps around the pavilion area.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace the stamped concrete.

Barrier Priority:

Important (2): Should be completed as soon as possible. (Includes findings that would remove barriers to the greatest number of people to your goods and services)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

BFID: 189312

Sculpture Area - The cross slope of the sidewalk at the sculpture is up to 3.1%. The area has 1/2" beveled stamped concrete.

The accessible path of travel contains cross slopes greater than 2%.

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 403.3
The running slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:20. The cross slope of walking surfaces shall not be steeper than 1:48.

As Built:

The concrete around the sculpture is not compliant. It has a high cross slope and the stamped concrete exceeds 1/2" bevel in some locations.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace the concrete around the sculpture to provide a maximum 2% slope in all directions and no vertical lifts or gaps due to the deeply stamped concrete.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

Play Area - Playground

BFID: 189326

The surface of the play area is sand.

Citation:

2010 ADAS Section 302.1
Floor and ground surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip resistant and shall comply with 302.

As Built:

The surface of the play area is sand. There is about 6200 square feet of sand.

Recommendation:

Provided engineered wood fill instead of sand.

Barrier Priority:

Important (2): Should be completed as soon as possible. (Includes findings that would remove barriers to the greatest number of people to your goods and services)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Additional Finding Photos

Play area with sand and deteriorating rubber tiles

BFID: 192907

The surface of the pedestrian access route has vertical discontinuities greater than 1/2 inch or between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch that are not beveled.

Vertical surface discontinuities shall be 0.5 inch maximum. Vertical surface discontinuities between 0.25 inch and 0.5 inch shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 50 percent. The bevel shall be applied across the entire vertical surface discontinuity.

Citation:

As Built:

There are also areas of rubber tile, that are deteriorating with gaps up to 2.5" wide and up to 1" vertical displacement between tiles. There are about 1450 square feet of rubber tile.

Recommendation:

Replace the tiles with poured-in-place surfacing.

Barrier Priority:

Important (2): Should be completed as soon as possible. (Includes findings that would remove barriers to the greatest number of people to your goods and services)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Trash

BFID: 192833

Trashcan - There is no accessible route to the trash can.

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

Citation:

2015 IBC Section 1104.2
At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements and accessible spaces that are on the same site.
2010 ADAS Section 206.2.2
At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

As Built:

The trash can, located on the route that runs between the sculpture and the triangular convergence of paths down from the library, is not on an accessible route as the pad in front has a slope of 4.9%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace pad in front of trash to compliance.

Barrier Priority:

High (1): Should be completed immediately. (Includes findings that have little or no cost, were in violation of the codes at the time of construction, or pose an imminent safety threat)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

BFID: 192834

Dog Waste Receptacle - There is no accessible route to the element.

At least one accessible route shall connect accessible buildings, accessible facilities, accessible elements, and accessible spaces that are on the same site.

Citation:

As Built:

The dog waste bag dispenser located near the sculpture is not on an accessible route. The pad in front of the dispenser has a slope of 5.2%.

Recommendation:

Remove and replace stamped concrete in front of the pad to comply. This work and the associated cost are captured in another finding.

Barrier Priority:

Low (4): Should be completed as soon as possible due to being a technical violation, but may not result in providing greater access to persons with disabilities. (Includes findings that are technically violations but provide a moderate to low increase in accessibility compared to the financial impact on the entity)

Department:

Parks & Recreation

Site Accessibility Evaluation

Table of Contents

Findings

Public Right of Way

BFID: 192818

BFID: 192797

BFID: 189306

Accessible Routes

BFID: 192909

BFID: 189307

BFID: 189308

BFID: 192798

BFID: 192799

BFID: 192800

BFID: 192801

BFID: 192802

BFID: 192803

BFID: 189324

BFID: 192830

BFID: 192827

BFID: 192829

BFID: 192835

BFID: 189311

BFID: 192836

BFID: 192837

Pavilion and Sculpture Area

BFID: 189327

BFID: 189312

Play Area - Playground

BFID: 189326

BFID: 192907

Trash

BFID: 192833

BFID: 192834