Anne Hurst re Maki Park :” ..it might meet requirements, but it’s still not right.” as Disability Commission Meets
The Gardner Disability Commission met on December 10, 2025 and Chair Anne Hurst and other members expressed multiple frustrations with the status of the project, while also acknowledging and expressing appreciation to Director Jason Stevens for his efforts in addressing issues caused by others prior to his arrival. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
There were extensive discussions about accessibility and compliance issues within municipal projects, particularly Maki Park. Commission members and city staff examine how the new park, while meeting 521 CMR compliance (Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations), is still not fully inclusive or welcoming to people with disabilities due to design flaws, such as multi-level access and the use of unsuitable stone dust surfacing.
The meeting also covers the inaccessible city council chambers due to a long-broken elevator awaiting expensive repairs, ongoing efforts to improve private business compliance through outreach and checklists, and plans for the commission to become proactively involved in the early stages of future city projects to ensure better universal access.
With regard to Maki Park, Director Jason Stevens noted that the West Street Parking Lot itself is not ADA compliant due to the grade, but that the 3rd level entrance to Maki Park is compliant. Stevens stated that it would be up to the Building Commissioner to determine if the park is ADA compliant. It was noted by members of the Disability Commission that it is unlikely that people will disabilities will use the park due to the accessibility issues. Jason Stevens noted that he was not working for the City at the beginning of the Maki project, but pledged to work closely with the Disability Commission regarding upcoming projects such as the Greenwood Pool Pavilion.