A complaint to the state last year prompted the Yuma County Fair to make improvements to its access accommodations for the disabled.

Kelly Watkins, the fair manager, said they received the complaint after the 2007 fair. It is the only complaint about disabled access he can recall in his 30 years with the fair, he said.

The complaint was made by Jack Kretzer, a member of the Yuma County Reform Party who frequently mans a booth at the fair. Kretzer walks with the aid of two canes due to a hip injury.

Officials from the Arizona Attorney General's Office inspected the fairgrounds in December and determined that improved accommodations were necessary.

This year, the handicapped parking spaces have been paved and two van-accessible spots have been added. The path to the restrooms has been paved with concrete to allow easier access for wheelchairs.

The handicapped bathroom stalls were extended about 3 feet and the doors are made to swing inward instead of outward.

The improvements cost about $20,000, according to Watkins. He said all the improvements were finished last week and, as far as he's aware, they are now in compliance.

"We've done everything the attorney general's office required of us."

Watkins said the fairgrounds were cleared for compliance in the late 1990s when they received a permit through the county and he was not aware of any problems until the complaint was lodged.

The fair is open to disabled individuals and sets aside a day for special needs and elderly residents each year to make free use of the attractions.

This year's special needs day is today (Thursday). The rides are open 9-11 a.m. Linda Lerma, the special needs day coordinator, said about 300-350 disabled and elderly residents are usually invited.

She added that fair workers are diligent about seeing that those who come have the accommodations they need.

"I have seen them literally pick them up out of their wheelchairs, ride with them. I just love watching (the participants) smiles."

Maria Marquez, the enrichment coordinator at Desert Rose retirement apartments, said she's taken residents to the fair in past years. She said none of the people she went with encountered any unexpected obstacles and she encouraged them to participate in events like this.

"They probably could have used more handicapped (parking)," Marquez said when asked about any problems during last year's visit. "But no. As far as I know, no. The lady I went with last year did just fine.

"I try to encourage them that it's not a hassle, to encourage them to get out."


----
Sarah Reynolds can be reached at
sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847.