New accessible dock at Jessup’s Falls Conservation Area
South Nation Conservation (SNC) has introduced a new dock to its day-use Conservation Areas infrastructure which provides greater accessibility to those with mobility issues as well as safer access for all users.
The aluminum dock was officially opened July 17 at Jessup’s Falls Conservation Area on the south side of Highway 17 west of Plantagenet.
The dock features low angle entry, wide ramp and railings, toe guard, high floatation tanks for greater stability, and greater surface area to address general increased use at the Jessup’s Falls location.
“Compared to the previous wooden structure, the aluminum framing will result in less operating maintenance time and cost, and a longer life,” said Jim Hendry, SNC Team Lead, Property.
Other improvements at Jessup’s Falls include new seating and benches, BBQ stands, viewing platforms, boardwalks, tree replacement and parking upgrades.
South Nation operates 15 popular day-use Conservation Areas throughout its 4,300 square-km jurisdiction, four of which including Jessup’s Falls offer water access. Future plans call for accessibility upgrades at the three other Conservation Areas, Hendry noted.
He explained that SNC recently participated in an accessibility audit of the physical environment at its office in Finch and three of its conservation areas.
The lessons learned from this audit – “A Roadmap to Accessibility” – will lead to greater opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the natural environment and have access to the services offered at our office.
“It’s gratifying for all of us at SNC to be able to remove barriers and make our facilities more accessible to all,” Hendry stated.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jim Hendry, 1-877-984-2948, jhendry@nation.on.ca