Ephrata's Splash Zone may add lift, ramp to accommodate disabled guests

EPHRATA - There may be some drastic changes coming to Ephrata's Splash Zone pool due to new Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The Department of Justice introduced new ADA standards for public pools in 2010 and because of the size of Splash Zone the city will likely have to add two independent access points for people with disabilities. Those access points include a lift and a railed ramp.

Recreation and Public Relations Director Ray Towry said that new lifts will cost between $8,000 and $10,000 and that they will be paid for using money from the city's general fund.

Deadline for compliance was pushed back until Jan. 31 of this year, but industries are still waiting for a clearer interpretation by the DOJ.

New rules state that a public pool must have two methods of access for ADA compliance.

Recreation and Public Relations Director Ray Towry is finding it difficult to come up with a solution due to the design of Ephrata's pool.

"The issue is [what the DOJ] is trying to do is good, however they are not understanding the effect of what it's doing," Towry said.

Towry explained that complying with these new standards may create even more hazards.

According to Towry, the new ramp rails can't be constructed on either edge of the pool because one side is near a structure that sprays water, which would be unpleasant for someone using the ramp, and the other side doesn't have a true ramped edge because of a waterslide.

The two methods of access must be permanent structures, so there are concerns that lifeguards will constantly have to worry about children playing on the rails or lift. The structures may also interfere with swim meets and lines of sight for lifeguards.

Towry's gut feeling is that the city will have to install two lifts since the design of the pool prevents a safe place for new rails.

City Administrator Wes Crago explained that every body of water at the state or local level must comply to the new ADA regulations.

He said even hotel pools must have the additional access methods or they will be closed.

"It's got pretty far reaching concerns," Crago said.

According to Towry, there are 21 lawsuits against various hotels in regard to the new ADA regulations.

Towry said in many cases someone from the Department of Justice will simply call the front desk and ask if there is a lift. If the response is no, then the hotel is served with a lawsuit.

The Ephrata Splash Zone currently has zero-depth access and a specialized wheelchair designed for water.

The city must have a plan in place before Splash Zone opens in June.

Towry said he hopes at least one lift will be installed before the park opens.