Handicapped-accessible ramp work begins at Hagerstown YMCA

September 04, 2002|by PEPPER BALLARD

Ramp construction began as planned Tuesday at the Hagerstown YMCA in response to concerns the facility was not properly accommodating its handicapped members.

Chuck Harrell Home Construction, contracted through Jeter Paving, began jackhammering a 20-foot-wide by 8-foot-long ramp out of the sidewalk centered beneath the YMCA's entrance canopy, crew foreman Mike Harnish said.

Eleven regular parking spots are being relocated to make room for four handicapped parking spots across from the building's front entrance, according to Hagerstown YMCA Executive Director Michael Flicek.

The YMCA, which opened in December, has six handicapped parking spaces on the sides of the building, but none in front of the building's main entrance.

Hagerstown City Councilman N. Linn Hendershot brought up the situation during last Tuesday's council meeting, and he and Flicek met Thursday.

Flicek said the work was on schedule and should be completed in a week to 10 days. He said he hopes the community will respond positively to the improvements.

"It's there for their convenience," he said.

Hendershot said he wished the work had been started earlier, but said, "I think it will be a wonderful thing, especially for the senior citizens in the community."

|

|

|