In July of this year, my column on recreation and accessibility generated a great deal of mail. One of my favorite letters referred to access at the National Cherry Festival. The writer wrote, "As a volunteer in the information tent at the Cherry Festival, I wanted you to know that we received numerous calls from your readers. Many families wanted to verify the access information. I'm happy to report that lots of new visitors came to the 2009 festival. Several traveling 100-300 miles to TC."
Since its inception, I've viewed this column as the "community's column" and this month I'd like to highlight additional recreation and entertainment information readers have sent to me.
There's a new handicap access deck at Lake Skegemog. The dedication for the site is Saturday, Sept. 12. Contact dave@davehauser.net or 620-5750.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources-Parks & Recreation, dedicated the new (May '09) Tri-Centennial State Park & Harbor in Detroit. Officials are always looking for patron suggestions to make all of the parks more accessible. Contact them at Michigan.gov.
The Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass, TC, 941-0960 offers accessible restrooms, classroom, patio/picnic area and programming for everyone, including children.
The Traverse State Park Beach, 1132 U.S. 31 N., 922-5270 has accessible picnic tables, grills, patio and path to the water.
Platte River campground, River Point, and picnic area 325-5881 offers raised grills, a fish cleaning station, hardened surface pathways and campsites. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front Highway, Empire, has assistive hearing devices, a visitor's center, sand wheelchairs, duneside accessible trail and a disabled traveler's companion guide 326-5134. Ask about the free Federal Interagency Access Pass.
Frankfort Beach has made many modifications: concrete paths to the water and restroom building at the beach. Contact the Frankfort Elberta Chamber of Commerce 352-7251.
Readers really enjoy the new Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center, 2304 N. West Bay Shore Drive, Peshawbestown, 534-7750. Great parking, an elevator to all levels and accessible restrooms. The museum features American Indian exhibits, a gift store, classrooms, film room, gardens and a breathtaking view of West Bay.
Another museum receiving praise is the Dennos Museum at Northwestern Michigan College, 1701 E. Front, Traverse City, 995-1055. The museum features an outdoor sculpture garden, exhibits, auditorium, gift store, hands-on gallery, exhibit films, Inuit collection, restrooms, wheelchair loan, classroom and box office.
For movies, readers commented on the Bay Theatre 216 N. Saint, Suttons Bay, 271-3772. Patrons like the superb sound system and accessible restroom/ramp behind the stage. The wheelchair seating in the middle of the main floor is described as the "best seats in the house!"
The State Theatre, 233 E. Front in Traverse City, 947-4800 was also cited for good access. Customers with disabilities appreciate the helpful volunteers, floor leveling platforms for wheelchairs, restroom, wheelchair seating, and the MOPIX hearing/visual assistance devices.
The accessible playground at Eastern Elementary received rave reviews, 1600 Eastern Ave., Traverse City, 933-1660.
The Traverse City Senior Citizen Center, 801 E. Front, Traverse City 922-4911 was described by readers as the hub for seniors. In particular, the center received high marks for its programming, beautiful beach and fixed BATA route stop.
Visitors and residents alike, appreciate the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), 941-2324, 107 Hall St.,Traverse City, for the accessible lift buses, accessible depot with restrooms, the daily fixed route system, the one-day notice dial--ride service, daily service to surrounding communities and discounted fares. Indian Trails accessible bus service can be arranged with 24 hour notice.
Leelanau Sands & Turtle Creek Casinos, 1 (800) 922-2WIN www.casinos2win.com. Readers commented on the accessible parking, restrooms, elevators, hotel, restaurants, parking lot shuttle, entertainment/lounges and exhibits.
Black Cat Concert Series-Dhasileer Event Barn, 15794 Paddock, Charlevoix, 547-6945. Folks like the uniqueness of the restored barn venue that features music, dances, and a variety of events. The grass entrance into the barn is ramped, there's handicapped parking, and the interior of the barn is ramped with a fully accessible restroom and seating area.
For assistance and information, accessible restrooms and drinking fountains, readers suggested the TC Convention & Visitor Center, 947-0692 at 101 W. Grandview Parkway.
Several readers suggested the Northern MI Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program, TC, 935-7331, an adaptive sports program through Munson Hospital. The program offers an all-around sports day with kayaking, cycling, tree climbing and skiing. Seen as a good way to try an activity and meet people.
Northern MI Disability Network, TC, (866) 869-8600 is a center for independent living and an information resource for people with disabilities. Also, www.accesstorecreation.org. and Great Lakes ADA, www.adagreatlakes.org, provide help with barrier-free design and ADA laws impacting recreation, etc. Northern MI Disability Network also sponsors a sailing program for persons with disabilities.
Let's keep our conversation going! Thanks everyone.
Susan Odgers, a resident of Traverse City for the past 22 years, has used a wheelchair for 33 years. She is a faculty member at Northwestern Michigan College and Grand Valley State University. She can be reached via the Record-Eagle.
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