Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: Physical accessibility and neighborhood walkways

[Fleck (foam4u]

Hi,
>From Jackson Place Cohousing - Seattle
We just installed (or had installed) paving stones thruoughout our courtyard
which had been gravel. Not only did the gravel prevent access but it was
tracked into all the units across either vinyl or hardwood floors - problem.
The pavers have a sand base underneath which allowed a more level surface
and better drainage.
We purchased the pavers thru Mutual Materials - one of members works there -
they're national. Finding someone who do the job was easy because she knew
people. Ask the materials provider. When we tried to find someone who would
pour concrete, we couldn't find anyone who would take the job - we talked to
at least 5 contractors. There's no vehicle access to the area and it was too
much work and too small a job.

We've had heavy rains this last week and have a few spots that need
adjustment (leveling or filling) but the contractor said they'd come do
that. This will prevent puddling and ice pockets. We'll also have to do sand
refill in the spring and maybe every couple of years after to make sure
there's enough sand between the stones to keep them solid.

Everyone is thrilled with the result. Baby carriages, wheel chairs, grocery
carts, and (for better or worse) bikes can now get thru. We did have to
adjust all the gardening areas along the walkway - a bit of a job.
I'm not sure about shovelling snow. Any surface will get scraped up with a
metal shovel. We did look into pervious concrete. This has been used
extensively in Florida where the water table's high. It eventually fills in
with "fines" (silt). But there's good info online. We may still use this for
our parking area which is against a steep hill.

Good luck,
Anne



-----Original Message-----
From: cohousing-l-admin [at] cohousing.org
[mailto:cohousing-l-admin [at] cohousing.org]On Behalf Of Laura Beck
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2003 7:37 AM
To: cohousing-l [at] cohousing.org
Subject: [C-L]_Physical accessibility and neighborhood walkways





Our Aging and Accessibility Committee is doing some research into
appropriate
and affordable walkway surfaces to achieve better accessibility for
wheelchairs and individuals with limited physical mobility.  As an
Ecovillage,
we currently have gravel pathways for purposes of eliminating impervious
cover
and affordability.  These wreak havoc particularly during our harsh winters
here, as you can never shovel down far enough to remove the ice.

We are wondering what other communities have done in the way of walkways to
better acommodate accessibility needs.  It would really be wonderful if any
of
you have ideas that meet both the needs of accessibiliy and environmental
sustainability.  Thanks for your help!

Laura Beck
Ecovillage at Ithaca

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