Accessing Softball Yukon fields 'onerous' for spectators in wheelchairs, say fans

A couple of softball fans say fields in Whitehorsestrike out when it come to accommodating spectators with physical disabilities.

"We are amazed and disappointed that public recreation facilities like this are allowed to ignore these serious accessibility concerns," Dianne Williams told city council on Tuesday.

Williams said watching softball at the Pepsi Complex is difficult for someone with mobility issues, pointing to chains that block pathways, inaccessible bleachers andpathways made of materials such as gravel that are hard to navigate.

Williams said it takes one inning and "a lot of sweat equity" for someone in a wheelchair to reach the stands.

The issue was raised just asSoftball Yukon's30-year field lease with the city is up for renewal.

Unanswered letters

Bonnie Dalziel said the concerns she has voiced to Softball Yukon have fallen on deaf ears.

"I personally have sent them a letter every year for the past 11 years and never received a reply. Not one," she said.

Dalziel, who has one leg, uses a wheelchair but can get around without one. Some of her friends who are more wheelchair-dependent have given up watching softball because accessing the fieldsis too "onerous," said Dalziel.

"There are many,many fans that would love to watch ball, like I do," she said.

Williams suggested providing disabledparking andchanging pathways to make it easier for people who use wheelchairs to get around, as well asinstalling a gender-neutral, wheelchair-accessible washroom or outhouse.

She also suggested addinga safety rail to bleachersand providing seating for caregivers accompanying people usingwheelchairs.

"Spectators in wheelchairs must [currently] sit behind the umpire, alone," she said.

City managers say inspectors are checking for code violations this week. But they say they want to look at other city facilities before deciding on how to address the situation.

Softball Yukon has not yet responded to a request from CBC News for comment.