Amending Chapter 15-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Parks and Playgrounds," by adding a new section requiring that all parks or playgrounds owned or controlled by the City to be more inclusive, inter-generational and family-friendly and provide equipment and play or fitness opportunities to accommodate children and adults with special needs, all under certain terms and conditions.

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia through its Fair Practices regulations prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, including parks and playgrounds, on the basis of disability; and

WHEREAS, The federal Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in playgrounds to those in wheelchairs, but does not address other types of disabilities and special needs; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia in 2007 enacted Bill No. 070951 to provide that Class A Recreation Centers provide at least one trained person to provide programs for disabled children; and

WHEREAS, People with disabilities are the nation's largest minority group, and the only one that anyone can join at any time. Moreover, the prevalence of disabilities in adults increases with age; and

WHEREAS, Playgrounds can offer many opportunities for children to further develop physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills. An inclusive design includes a balance of play experiences to build all these skills; and

WHEREAS, It is in the best interest of all Philadelphians to provide accessible, intergenerational, family-friendly outdoor fitness and play spaces for people of all ages and physical capacities; now, therefore

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 15-600 of The Philadelphia Coded is hereby amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 15-600. PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS.

§15-605. Inclusive Parks and Playgrounds.

(a) Children's Play areas.

All parks and playgrounds owned or controlled by the City of Philadelphia, undergoing renovation or rebuilding shall provide play areas for children that are inclusive and accessible for all disabilities and special needs. Special needs shall include but not be limited to children in wheelchairs, children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, or hearing or vision impairments.

(b) Adult Fitness areas.

All parks and playgrounds owned or controlled by the City of Philadelphia, undergoing renovation or rebuilding shall provide adult fitness areas to all adults to accommodate a diversity of fitness levels and abilities. These areas shall be accessible to people in wheelchairs and to those who might have other disabilities including but not limited to, Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and hearing or vision impairments.

___________________________________

Explanation:

Italics

indicate new matter added.

End