GOAL 4: EQUITABLE & INCLUSIVE PARKS

Policies

4A. Equitable Distribution of Parks and Facilities

The City will strive for all residents to be within a one-half mile walk of a neighborhood or community park. Where this level of access is not possible, the City will prioritize improvements to other recreation facilities (mini parks, special use parks, or sports complexes) to provide enhanced neighborhood amenities. The City will also prioritize park investments in neighborhoods with a larger share of persons experiencing poverty and communities of color.

See also Policy 2c: Adequate funding for park improvements and maintenance.

4B. Inclusive Places

Tracy will work to make its parks and facilities feel inclusive for all members of the community. This may involve:

> Cultural representation through signage, artwork and murals, with involvement from the Tracy Arts Commission;

> Play equipment that is usable by people with cognitive and physical disabilities;

> Gender-neutral restrooms and changing rooms;

> Programming that meets the needs of diverse users;

> Other elements that remove barriers that may deprive some people of the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of parks and recreation.

Funding for care and replacement/ repair of these items must be identified.

The City will strive to create parks that enable diverse users to interact and recreate together.

4C. Accessibility and Universal Design

Tracy’s parks and facilities will be improved as needed to ensure that people with disabilities are able to arrive on the site, approach facilities and amenities, and enter as freely as everyone else. Improvements will address issues such as paving, ramps, doorways, handrails, and signage.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and/or published guidelines and the California Code of Regulations are strongly adhered to by the City of Tracy where such may apply in the built environment. As such, all City structures, elements and facilities constructed where programs, services and activities are provided by the City, shall strictly comply with such standards and be constructed as accessible for all persons with disabilities to the greatest extent possible. This would include accessible parking as a Title II program requirement and obligation where such would be a reasonable expectation. Additionally, accessibility standards shall be included in any newly constructed or remodeled employee-only areas.

More broadly, parks and amenities will be designed so that they can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, background or ability. Accessibility should be integrated into park design and function.