Joshua Tree National Park Seeks Public Input on Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan

Twentynine Palms, CA – Joshua Tree National Park will hold public meetings on August 29 and August 30 to present and seek comment on the draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

Over the last year, an interdisciplinary team comprised of park and regional staff identified key park experiences, and evaluated associated areas to determine locations to be evaluated. The team then developed implementation strategies for improving accessibility at each location. This resulting plan will guide changes to the way existing services are provided in specific locations throughout the park. It will define barriers that limit accessibility and provide recommendations on how experiences can be modified or barriers removed to increase accessibility for all users.

Joshua Tree National Park staff is requesting public input on this draft plan. Two public open houses will be held and will include a brief presentation of the planning process and general park accessibility, followed by an opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives on the draft plan. Public input is integral to the planning process, and will help ensure Joshua Tree National Park is more accessible to all visitors. The public meetings will be:

August 29, 1:00-3:00 PM at the Joshua Tree Community Center on Sunburst Avenue in Joshua Tree; and,

August 30, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM at the Palm Springs Library, on Sunrise Way in Palm Springs.

Refreshments and Access Passes for the park will be available.

If in need of accommodations to participate, such as assistive listening devices, large print, braille, a sign language interpreter, or real-time captioning, please contact the park accessibility coordinator at 760-367-5502 and patty_gerhardt@nps.gov. To ensure that the requested accommodations are available, please contact the accessibility coordinator a minimum of seven days prior to the meeting.

If you would like to provide input about the Draft Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan but are unable to attend the public meetings, there will be an opportunity to respond online by visiting the project planning website. We will provide this link once available.