As the Bedford Recreation Commission prepares to launch a 10-year open space and recreation plan, accessibility and inclusion are high on the priority list.
The commission has scheduled an open meeting on Zoom for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2.
“Our specific focus will be engaging members of the community to provide feedback on how we can address accessibility issues within Bedford recreation spaces,” said Commission Chair Robin Steele.
“The commission hopes that residents will share ideas on what the Recreation Department can do to help make recreation accessible to all,” said Recreation Director Josh Smith.
The Zoom link and agenda will be posted on the town website at least 48 hours before the meeting.
Steele and Smith pointed out that more accessible equipment and surfaces are planned for the playground on the town campus, as crews from the Department of Public Works add to the recently completed sidewalk improvements. They also noted that members of the Disability Commission were consulted on how best to spend funds for the playground.
“These themes and best practices will be incorporated into the Recreation Commission’s 10-year open space and recreation plan and will be discussed at the Aug. 2 meeting,” Smith said.
Indeed, the commission has approved the position of a therapeutic recreation specialist/program coordinator, “a role that will help provide inclusion support in adapting and modifying programs to work for all recreation participants.” This opening is posted on the town’s website.
Steele noted that the commission “has been very busy collaborating with the Recreation Department to maintain the current comprehensive program offerings while looking to identify and meet future community recreational needs.”
Loading ...
