HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposalA PROPOSAL FROM THE CITY OF MIAMI
TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY OFFICE OF A.D.A. COORDINATION
August 31, 2006
INTRODUCTION: The City of Miami requests consideration of a grant in the amount of $52,315.14 from the
Miami -Dade County Office of A.D.A. Coordination for funds obtained through 2005 ADA fines. This funding will
contribute toward expanding the services offered by the City's Department of Parks and Recreation through its
Programs for Persons with Disabilities.
PROPOSED PROGRAM: The City requests $52,315.14 to fund a multi -faceted program that benefits persons
with disabilities. The total cost for the program is $104,631, and the City will provide a dollar -for -dollar match for
each of the four (4) program components, which include:
• Wheelchair Basketball Program Lighting ($15,000 City + S15,000 ADA = $30,000): The installation of
appropriate lighting is needed for the new basketball wheelchair program at Lummus Park. Construction of the
new wheelchair basketball court was completed on August 17, 2006. Unfortunately, the original design of the
court did not include lighting, and the program is scheduled to take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from
7:00pm to 9:00pm. New lighting will ensure that the program can operate during the evening hours and
accommodate those persons who work during regular business hours.
• Expansion of Programs for Visually Impaired ($10,000 City + $10,000 ADA = $20,000): In partnership with
the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the City will expand its existing programs for the
blind and visually impaired. First, the City will make accessibility improvements to the existing computer lab at
the Sandra DeLucca Developmental Center, such as voice recognition software and new large -print screens and
keyboards. Second, the City will establish a new Tandem Bike Program, coordinated by the Therapeutic
Recreational Specialist. The City will purchase three (3) new tandem bikes, specially designed to accommodate
persons with both visual and physical disabilities. The bikes would be used in various parks and nature trails
throughout the city, helping to provide much -needed cycling leisure and recreational opportunities.
• Summer Swimming Instruction ($13,658 City + $13,657 ADA = $27,315): In an effort to realize the vision of
the Director of Parks and Recreation of teaching every resident to swim, the City will create a new summer
swimming course for persons with disabilities. The program will be housed in two parks, one each in the north
and south portions of the City. Costs will include the purchase of equipment and supplies necessary to start the
program, such as lifts to access the pools, harnesses and floatation devices, printed materials, and adaptive
swimming course curricula. In addition, costs will include the purchase of two beach -specific wheelchairs to be
housed at the Virginia Key Beach Park.
• Youth Wheelchair Tennis Program (($13,658 City + $13,658 ADA = $27,316): The City will create a new
wheelchair tennis program for approximately six (6) children 10 and under, located at Bryan Park (address).
The program will be directed by Noel Cubela, Park Manager and tennis coach, who hopes to build a
competitive team within the next few years. Costs will include the purchase of equipment necessary to start the
program, such as sports wheel chairs, instructional materials, grip devices, and uniforms.
REVIEW BY THE PARKS' AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ADVISORY GROUP: On August 8,
2006, the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Americans with Disabilities Advisory Council reviewed and
approved this proposal. This review was preceded by a report from the Department of Parks and Recreation
regarding the projects previously funded by the Miami -Dade County Office of A.D.A. Coordination. Copies of the
meeting agenda and participant roster are included with this proposal.