"Lienhardplatz welcomes visitors without restriction"
In a recent letter to the editor of "unsere Webseite", Irmgard Assion, a local resident, has proposed an enhancement to improve the accessibility of Lienhardplatz in Kaiserstraße. The suggestion aims to benefit all people, not just the user of a rollator.
Assion, a rollator user herself, points out the current benches in the location are not considered suitable, and she suggests removing insurmountable stairs from Lienhardplatz as a solution. She believes this change would significantly improve accessibility for everyone.
To make Lienhardplatz more accessible, the following steps and considerations have been proposed:
- Replace Stairs with Ramps: Design and install gently sloping ramps that comply with accessibility standards, ensuring they are wide enough for rollators and have handrails on both sides.
- Install Elevators or Platform Lifts (if space is limited): In areas where ramps are not feasible due to space constraints, consider installing elevators or vertical platform lifts designed for mobility aids.
- Smooth, Non-Slip Surfaces: Ensure any ramps or replacement pathways have smooth, slip-resistant surfaces suitable for rollators.
- Clear Signage and Wayfinding: Provide clear signs indicating accessible routes to and from Lienhardplatz to help rollator users easily navigate the area.
- Regular Maintenance: Maintain these accessibility features to prevent hazards like debris, ice, or wear that could impede rollator use.
- Community Engagement: Consult with local mobility-impaired individuals and advocacy groups to understand the specific challenges at Lienhardplatz and gather input on design solutions.
- Compliance with Local Accessibility Standards: Follow municipal and national regulations regarding public space accessibility to ensure legal and functional effectiveness.
Assion also suggests a simpler bench design, like the one in a station garden, would be more suitable for all users. The current benches in the location are not found attractive nor practical by her.
If you wish to support this initiative, reaching out to the local city planning or public works department with this feedback might initiate action toward making Lienhardplatz more accessible for everyone. The Rundschau reader letters section, accessible by clicking here, is a good starting point for voicing your opinions.
The proposed changes in Lienhardplatz, as suggested by Irmgard Assion, aim to enhance the accessibility of the location, making it more suitable for everyone, not just rollator users. This includes the replacement of stairs with ramps, installation of elevators or platform lifts in limited spaces, providing clear signage, regular maintenance, and even incorporating a simpler, home-and-garden style bench design. For those who wish to support this initiative, voicing opinions through the local city planning or public works department or the Rundschau reader letters section could potentially catalyze action towards this lifestyle change.
