Five Lake Tahoe recreation sites to get ADA upgrades

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Five developed recreation sites around Lake Tahoe will get improved access for those with disabilities after a vote by the California Tahoe Conservancy (CTC) Board.

The approved the California Tahoe Conservancy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (Plan) authorizes staff to take all actions necessary to carry out the barrier removals at five of their sites on the California side of Lake Tahoe:

• Kings Beach Plaza (8608 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach);

• North Tahoe Beach (7860 North Lake Blvd., Kings Beach);
• Patton Landing (5188 North Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay);
• Carnelian West (5074 North Lake Blvd., Carnelian Bay);
• California side of Van Sickle Bi-State Park (3828 Montreal Road, South
Lake Tahoe).

Locations opened in 1992 were already up to standards dictated by ADA, and the new plan includes updates needed to fit the new standards.

New ADA retrofits have already started and will continue as part of regular maintenance at each of the locations. The Plan is ongoing and will be updated as needed. Work will include:

• improvements to accessible routes of travel (e.g., correcting slope issues,
leveling walkways and walkway transitions, installation and/or modification of
curb ramps and truncated domes in transition areas);
• modification of parking lots to comply with ADA standards (e.g., handicapped
space striping and signage, leveling and repairing potholes);
• installation of ADA-compliant signage;
• installation of ADA-compliant picnic tables, trash receptacles, and similar
features; and modification of features in restroom facilities to comply with ADA standards.

The new Plan is not in response to complaints or reduced access, it's just a proactive move to stay current, according to Nick Meyer, associate environmental planner for the CTC Land Management Program.

CTC held a 45-day public comment period from December 14, 2018 through January 28, 2019. Two public comments were received, both stating how appreciative they were of the plan with one suggestion to improve swimming access at the lakefront locations.