Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — Earlier this week I had the opportunity to meet with staff from the Superior Alliance for Independent Living.

The city of Negaunee has had a great relationship with this organization in recent years. Together we have worked on many projects that have benefited people who have special needs or disabilities. Recent projects such as the downtown enhancement project, the Teal Lake Beach Project, and the city entranceway represent just some of our successful collaboration.

The topic at our most recent meeting was the accessibility of trails and other recreational features within the city of Negaunee. Although there will be more to come on this issue in later articles, I was intrigued by a new program SAIL recently launched in partnership with Travel Marquette.

Creating a more accessible and inclusive community is the right thing to do. Some may not understand this concept or why it’s even important, because they may not live with any impairment or disability. It’s true that people often can’t identify with another’s situation until we encounter a personal issue or know someone who does. I can tell you that I really never put much thought in this kind of accommodation, until I was reminded that one day I will be older and who knows what state I will be in at that time. That statement really hit home, because those without, don’t think of how simple everyday activities could be affected by an impairment or disability. This thought helped to solidify my resolve that our partnership with SAIL and the efforts to make the amenities in the City of Negaunee accessible to everyone, makes us a stronger community.

“Marquette County Guide to Access” assesses business locations within Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, Gwinn, and Big Bay. This assessment includes breweries, dining establishments, retail shops, and hotels. Reviews were made on sight, looking for amenities that can accommodate everyone. These features include wheelchair accessibility, ADA parking, doorway measurements, and other elements that can allow or prevent access to a building or other public space. This helps to serve customers better, because this gives them an opportunity to see whether they can navigate freely at a destination, should they choose to go there.

The program also assessed some popular tourist locations such as Lakenenland, the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Clark Lambros Kayak Launch, among others, showing similar accessibility features.

I also like the simple but effective feature of a window sticker “cling” that businesses can display on their front doors to show that they have been assessed so individuals can look up the business location either in the guide or online. You can look this program online for yourself by vising www.travelmarquette.com/plan/accessibility/

I think this program is off to a wonderful start. I applaud SAIL, Travel Marquette and the communities, business owners and organizations who have embraced this measure to ensure access to people of all abilities. I can’t wait to see this movement take off throughout Marquette County. I also hope this will become a trend among other communities across the Upper Peninsula.