Accessible Warsaw: WCHS Cross Country Course

Warsaw High School has a lovely cross country course.  At least the part I can see from across the street seems like it must be beautiful.  My daughter's middle school team competed there yesterday, and while she ran very well and achieved a personal record, the accessibility to the area where parents and supporters of the athletes are meant to observe and cheer on the runners, is dismal.

I apologize if the pictures on this blog entry seem far away, but that is the reality for me at a cross country meet at Warsaw High School.

Looking closely, you can see way over across the street the crowd of parents and coaches attending the meet in support of their athletes.  There were multiple teams at the meet last night, and there were bleachers in place for the crowd. Some parents chose not to be in that crowd, and brought their own chairs to sit in the grass. However, interestingly, no one sat as far away as I was forced to sit.  There is a sidewalk near the parking lot, but to cross the street to go to where the course is, there is a dip in the grass, the street, then another dip and a small hill, none of which has any pavement or sidewalk that would provide accessibility for a wheelchair.

I got a great view of this wide new entry that is being  installed for the parking lot (which already has many entrances).  I plan to mention to Dr. Hoffert, the superintendent of Warsaw community schools, that while this construction is underway, common sense would be to also make the observation area of the cross country course ADA compliant.

Up close or far away, I am there to support my kids and their teammates in their activities.  I have to push aside the feeling off being unwelcome when a facility is not compliant with ADA guidelines.  

Gracie Jane knew I was there. She ran her best time ever.  I love to watch her run.  

Warsaw High School: Cross Country Course = *

(one out of five stars for accessibility)

+ ADA parking spots are easy to find in the large parking lot

-no paved area where a wheelchair can cross the grass

-no paved area near the bleachers for ADA seating

- no thought given to athletes who have family members who use mobility aids