Pools to become more handicap accessible - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

Pools to become more handicap accessible

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PINE ISLAND, Minn. (KTTC) -- Taking a dip at the local swimming pool will be easier this time next year for those with physical impairments. It's all thanks to a new rule by the American Disabilities Act. The upgrades need to be made by January of 2013.

Under the requirements newly constructed swimming pools, wading pools and spas have to be handicap accessible. Also, existing pools must be updated, which affects many pools in our area, including Pine Island. The locker rooms, bathroom stalls, and showers need to be redesigned for the handicapped, as well as poolside lifts so they can safely get in and out.

City Administrator, Abraham Alagadi, said the City Council has given him the go-ahead to make the updates. Something one parents says is very important.

"So it's a concern for all small communities in rural Minnesota that all of these kids learn to swim, we have 10-thousand lakes," said Stacey Forehand.

At this time Alagadi isn't sure how much the upgrades will cost, but he said the changes will be made in compliance with the new rules.

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