New Elevator at 1st United Methodist Church

On Friday, November 21, 2008 Zach, along with his outreach guy John and his nurse LeAnn, went to check out wheelchair accessibility at First United Methodist Church in Jamestown, ND, USA.  It was a chilly day and we hurried while loading Zach and his wheelchair into and out of the van.  

We parked in the handicapped parking (diagonal, in the street) on the south side of the church (the front side) and noticed a glitch as there was no cut out for us to access the sidewalk at that spot.  We had to go out into the street around the back of the van and up onto the sidewalk using the alleyway to the west.  Using the automatic door button on the church, we opened the door and entered.  It felt better inside. 

The south entrance is located near the church offices and Pastor Kenrad Pederson greeted us warmly and we began our tour.  We first checked out the new elevator which was spacious for all four of us plus Zach's large wheelchair.  There had been a small elevator in this location but it was not adequate for wheelchair users so this is a major improvement! We took the elevator  down to the lower level where the other door opened and we entered a large room with round tables set up for socializing and for adult classes.

Back to the elevator and up to the sanctuary level where we entered the sanctuary in the overflow area.  This would be the place for wheelchair users to gather.

Into the elevator again and we went up again to the Sunday school classroom level.  They have a number of very large modern classrooms. There are steps only up to the balcony so we weren't able to get up there. 

This is a beautiful setting for worship and the congregation has ongoing Bible study and an exceptional music ministry including the traditional vocal choir, several handbell choirs; a worship band (i.e. horns, flutes, etc.) and a youth worship band (i.e. guitars, drums, etc.).

We suggest you check them out!

Handicapped Access Highlights:

- The new elevator is spacious.

- Great Handicapped parking.

- Ramps front and back.

Recommendation: Park on the north side of the church in the parking lot and access the church from that side to avoid the curb problem on the south side.

Photos by John & Zach

Text by John Andrus

Photos by John & Zach

Zach Checks Out Atonement Lutheran Church

On Friday, October 17, 2008 Zach and his support staff (John the outreacher and Shari the nurse) made our first church visit.  We were looking at wheelchair accessibility at Atonement Lutheran Church (ELCA) in NW Jamestown, up the  hill by the new high school. And what we found was one of those great churches where they not only accept wheelchair users, they encourage them. 

The need for extensive repairs after storm damage on Labor Day weekend 1997 was viewed by this congregation as the perfect opportunity to address their handicapped accessibility concerns.  Pastor Steve Berntson (pictured above) was a part of that decision-making and he still serves this vibrant congregation.  

Pastor Steve showed us around while Zach snapped pictures.  There is much here that would make a wheelchair user feel at home, including other wheelchair users on most Sundays.   There is handicapped parking on the south and east sides along with ramps and automatic doors to provide unassisted building access and exit.  

The Church is almost completely on one level and there is a large handicapped restroom. Wheelchair areas are available in the sanctuary and there are even accompanying custom built hymnal holders for those areas.  

For more info on the Church, check out their web page at www.atonementjamestown.org

Wheelchair Accessibility Highlights:

* Handicapped parking on the south and east sides of the building;

* Automatic doors on the south and east sides of the building;

* Interior all on one level with minor exceptions;

* Wheelchair spaces in sanctuary; and

* Wheelchair accessible restroom.

Text by John Andrus

Photos by Zachary

Zach Visits Nickeas Park

Nickeas Park is one of Jamestown's smaller parks (6.77 acres) but it is very pretty and is cleverly hidden in the middle of a residential area in the northwest part of town.  A sidewalk runs through the park from north to south featuring a early 1900's vinatge walking bridge over the river on the south end taking you out into the sun on 8th Avenue NW.   To drive to the park, turn east off of 4th Avenue NW on the north side of the driving bridge onto 11th Street NW.   Follow that road as it curves beside the river and it will take you to Nickeas Park.

This park does not have the handicapped parking and handicapped restroom facilities that you find at McElroy Park (see post below) so you would have to plan accordingly if you wanted to enjoy some time here in a wheelchair.  We found it a great place to come take pictures when the trees were changing into their fall colors.

Narrative by John Andrus

Photos by Zach

Zach's Trip to Klaus Park, Jamestown, ND

On Monday, September 22, 2008, Zach, his nurse Heather, and his outreach guy John crossed the James River heading west on 2nd Street south, took the first left turn and drove two blocks, straight into Klaus Park.  Named after early Jamestown pioneer and promoter Anton Klaus, the Park is small (20.9 acres) but very pretty, surrounded on three sides by rivers.  

The Native People called this area "where the rivers meet," because this is where the Pipestone Creek runs into the James River.  It was an important landmark in those early days on the prairie and a good place to gather for trading.  It's still a great place to gather and we noticed several groups of Frisbee golfers enjoying the warm afternoon in the shade of the trees.  www.jamestowndiscgolf.com

The main problem for this park for wheelchair users is the bathrooms.  They were built a good time before the federal handicapped accessibility requirements of 1990.  There is not enough room to get a wheelchair close.   So, if this is a concern for someone in your party, we recommend McElroy Park. (see review below)

Accessibility highlights:

* Sidwalks provide access to the picnic areas.

* Large parking area (although no handicapped parking identified).

* Bathrooms not useable for wheelchair users.

Photos by Zach

Text by John Andrus

Zach's Social at McElroy Park

Having discovered the best Park in Jamestown for wheelchair users, Zach held an "apple pie and picking" gathering there on Monday, September 15.  The evening was delightful with around 25 friends and family gathered for dessert and some fellowship.  The weather was perfect and the bugs cut us some slack, so we truly  enjoyed one of the last great evenings of the season.

   

Background stringband music was provided by Zach's outreach guy, John, on banjo along with his friends Bob and Frank playing guitars.

  

It was great to see the wheelchair crowd gathered in this wonderful outdoor setting, the way Zach and his staff had envisioned it on their first trip to the Park.

Zach took a few pictures, as did many others, including a photographer from the Jamestown Sun.   The next morning Zach found himself in a picture, along with his mother, Patty, on the front page of the newspaper.

Text by John Andrus

Photos by Zachary and Kallen Ost

Zach Visits the Pioneer Village

The Pioneer Village in  Jamestown, ND, USA in a Wheel Chair

It was Friday afternoon, July 25 and the year could have been 1890 from the view at the Pioneer

Village in Jamestown, ND, USA. The stage coach rambled by the saloon and off to the west. Riding shotgun was a dog with a big red bandanna around his neck. The only hint that we were in the year 2008 was the apparel of the many tourists up and down the street walking in and out of the restored buildings and taking lots of pictures.

We were on site to check out the excitement, see the attractions, and report back to you on how a visit to the Pioneer Village goes for someone in a wheel chair. Our someone is Zach, and Zach's experience on this outing was wonderful. Travelling with Zach today were his nurse, Kellie, and his outreach guy, John.

A handicapped parking spot is located in front of the Buffalo Museum, down the hill to the right as you enter the Village's main street. We parked the van and lowered Zach back to earth. Since Zach had visited the Museum a few weeks back, we didn't go in but walked past it up the wooden walkway (pretty good incline) to the main street of buildings at the top of the hill. Extensive ramps and walkways make the Village very accessible for people in wheelchairs. In addition to the main walkways in front of the stores, the are a number of wooden walkways that run behind the stores and provide access to some wonderful views of the valleys below to the north and to the south.

Many of the entrances to the buildings are original, which means some are obstacles for a wheel chair, very narrow and often having a bump for a thresh hold. And some of the buildings only have access to a small entry area with the main room blocked off from traffic. The view this requires is for someone standing, difficult to appreciate from a wheel chair, but these are just a few small buildings. Many buildings are easily accessible for Zach.

Restrooms for the main street area are located on the south side of the street on the corner that runs down to the museum.   They are very well done with easy access and wide stalls.

There are various gift shops and places to buy food, beverages,and souvenirs. Zach was looking for something western to help decorate his room but didn't find exactly what he wanted.

The Buffalo Museum is the only building that charges an admission fee. The museum is first rate and quite wheelchair friendly. Access into the Museum through the gift shop is a bit tight for a wheelchair, especially when there are many shoppers in the room.  For more info check out www.buffalomuseum.com

There are times when you can visit the Village when special events are happening, such as a wild west "shoot-out." Re-enactors have gun fights over a crooked poker player or an attempt to rob the bank, or whatever strikes their fancy. The shootouts are fun but be aware that the guns they shoot (blanks, of course) are very LOUD! They also have area musicians performing on a stage down the valley to the north.

The statue called the world's largest buffalo in down a steep incline and up to the east of the Village.  He has recently been given a makeover and is looking pretty sharp.  Of course, he is visible from the highway (I-94) and has paid for himself many times over by the thousands of tourists he has enticed to stop and check it all out. 

Zach got a look at the bison herd while we were there including the newest white calf. Very rare, adult white bison are revered by central plains native Americans. 

Wheelchair Accessibility Highlights:

* Good handicapped parking provided.

* The wooden ramps provide easy accessibility through the main areas of attraction.

* The ramp up the hill is steep and requires someone with muscle or a power chair to scale it.

* The trip down the valley and up to see the big buffalo up close is steeper still.

* Access to the buildings is not perfect, but there are enough accessible buildings to make the visit worthwhile.

Overall, highly recommended!

-John Andrus

Photos by Zach

Zach Visits Alfred Dickey Public Library

August 1, 2008

Jamestown, North Dakota's Alfred Dickey Public Library.  A visit in a wheel chair.

The library building is a classic two-story built in 1918 in the Egyptian style.  It's a beautiful old building but, as we were here to check out its usefulness for someone in a wheel chair, some of its charm was lost on us.  "Us"  is intrepid traveller Zach, Zach's nurse Kellie, and his outreach staff, John.  Fortunately, Zach is more than willing to risk an inconvenience or two to get out and about into the community.  

Back in 1918 no one was especially concerned about handicapped access (nor were the early Egyptians, apparently), and remodeling is an expensive proposition, but we found the basic modifications that had been done to be crucial to our first library experience.   Wheelchair access is through a sidewalk level door just to the east of the steps leading up to the main entrance on the front of the building (the south side).  Parking is limited but a handicapped parking spot is conveniently located right in front of the door.  Inside the door is a small elevator to take you up to the main library or down to the children's library.  We went up.  

The staff were very helpful and accommodating and it wasn't long before Zach had gotten signed up for a library card and we were shown the recorded books section.  Zach picked out a Louis La'Amour western.  That same Louis La'Amour used to check out stories from this same library, although not this exact building.  There's a nice photo of Louis (pronounced LOO-ee) in the front non-fiction room.

The library is full of stuff, good stuff.  You can see why they would like to build a new building; they need more room for even more good stuff.  We were able to navigate around the building except where some book shelving had been placed on stands in the middle of a narrow room. 

We went down the elevator and checked out the children's library; again crowded but accessible.  We came back to the main floor and Zach checked out his audio book.   His library card will be ready next time he comes in.

The restroom on the main floor is small but wheelchair accessible.  The one handicapped parking spot in front of the building is appreciated but insufficient.  We came back another day to take pictures of the Library and the handicapped parking spot was taken.    Because we use a lift to load and unload Zach's chair, we need at least one more parking spot to our right to function.  We found a spot open in front of the church next door.  Parking space in general is a problem with no parking lot and trying to get  backed out from our spot on the street into the Middle School traffic pouring at 3:15 pm was a 10 minute wait.

Accessibility Highlights:

* Parking is not good; for wheelchair users and the general public.

* The ground floor entrance and elevator provide good access to the main floor and the lower level children's library.

* A wheelchair accessible restroom is available on the main floor.

* Things are crowded inside but most areas are open to wheelchair travelers.

* Staff seem pleased to see the handicapped facilities being used.

-John Andrus

Photos by Zach

Zach's Trip to McElroy Park, Jamestown, ND

On August 8, 2008 Zach made his initial visit to review the wheel chair accommodations at McElroy Park. The weather was cloudy and rain was on the way, but the cool weather was great for checking out the Park, and the Park was a delight for our wheelchair using explorer. Along on the trip were Susie, Zach's nurse and John, Zach's outreach staff.

Driving into the Park from busy 10th avenue south is like entering a portal into another world. The park is gorgeous with its many shade trees and well-kept lawn. The city has done a great job of providing handicapped parking and wheelchair accessible restrooms.

Looking for a nice picnic spot to bring all of your friends? There is a great shelter on the east side with sidewalk access and lots of room. You will want to reserve the site in advance. It's shelter number 79 but they know it in the Jamestown Parks and Recreation Office (701-252-3982) as the Sertoma Shelter.

Nearby there are some handicapped swings which secure the swinger in for a safe ride and even a wheelchair swing, though it was a bit narrow for Zach's wheelchair. It is clear that the city has made a concerted effort to make this park inviting to handicapped individuals.

We stopped in the skateboard court on the north end. Zach tried out one small ramp leading up to a raised platform but there were three kids on bikes who gave us a demonstration of what they come to the court for, sailing off of ramps and reflecting off of inclines around the court. We found out later that bicycles are not allowed in the skateboard court.

North of the bike and skateboard court is Jack Brown Stadium, the field where legion and Babe Ruth baseball is played. The stadium was open on this weekday afternoon with some people doing maintenance in the outfield, so we went in to check out the facilities and research possibility of attending a game sometime. There were a number of ground-level areas for watching the game along the right field side. The restrooms on the left field side were accessible for wheel chairs as well. Looks like a good place to take in a ball game.

Accessibility highlights:

* Several handicapped parking spots.

* Great sidewalk access to picnic areas.

* Wheelchair accessible restrooms on the north and south ends.

* Handicapped swings in the SE section.

Overall, a wonderful place to go in a wheelchair!!

-John Andrus

Photos by Zach

Zach's First Visit: Ft Seward Historic Site

Out and About Jamestown, ND in a Wheelchair
The Adventures of Zach at Ft. Seward Historic Site

The first thing you see when you approach the Ft. Seward historical sight in Jamestown, North Dakota, USA is the huge (30' x 60') American flag waving in the breeze. Its location at the top of the hill on the west side of town and its size make it visible for miles. It makes a great first impression. 

Zach, Susan, and I pulled the van into the gravel parking lot and used the hoist to lower Zach and his wheelchair to the ground. It was a hot summer day and it seemed like a good idea to head directly to the Interpretive Center to get oriented and to check out their air conditioning. With a little extra effort we got Zach's chair over the raised threshold and into the Center. We were warmly greeted as we were the first patrons of the day and this was 2:45 in the afternoon. 

The Center is small but very adequate and features a scale model of the 1870's fort when it was the law and order for the area. The model really helps you appreciate the appearance of the fort, a foothold of civilized America in the middle of the wilderness. Display cases hold artifacts which had been found on-site during digs, fascinating pieces of history which had been lost or discarded by those living in and working around the Fort. 

The Fort was built primarily to protect the railroad workers from the Native Americans who accurately saw the railroad as a threat to their future. The fort was named after secretary of State William H. Seward. The interpreter told us that the railroad workers often stayed in tents set up around the fort when working in the area.

After checking out the Interpretive Center, we went outside and walked south on a new wooden walkway to where the big flag was flying and where a veteran's memorial had recently been constructed. There were a few picnic areas along the way but wheelchair access to them is not currently available as the wooden path has raised edges 4" high with no "off-ramps."

The memorial is very well done with listings of North Dakota veterans killed in action, prisoners of war, and congressional medal of honor recipients. There is also a brick walkway where ND veterans can have their names added for $25. The location of the memorial at the 1870's fort location provides a unique perspective on this area's contributions to our country's use of, and need for, the military in the last 125 years.

Wheelchair accessibility comments:

• The parking lot is gravel but well-maintained. There are no handicapped parking areas but none were needed the day we visited.

• The visitor center is worth checking out even with the bump in the entrance threshold.

• There were wheelchair accessible public restrooms that looked like they could accommodate standard wheelchairs.

• The walkway to the memorial is wonderful except for the "no off-ramps" feature discussed above.

• Overall, a nice addition to wheelchair-friendly venus in Jamestown, ND.

Text by John Andrus

Photos by Zach