I realize that Lakeview is a wonderful location, next to the lake to have a center. I also understand that it’s considered to be the most distinct and attractive of the recreational centers ever built. Here’s my issue with Lakeview. It is not handicap friendly. Why do I say that, you ask? Because every entrance/exit is on a hill. And when the person has walking issues, hills are not a friend. I was on the board when the efforts were made to make Lakeview handicapped accessible. This was at the same time the elevator was installed. At the time of changing the access to a long sloping hill, terminating at the elevator, I didn’t pay much attention. Now we have a closer look at what was accomplished. I have veinous insufficiency in both legs. Walking is a chore sometimes, but I continue to do so whenever possible. Lakeview handicap ramp has a person walk uphill, using two extended concrete ramps with a turning point midway. Every bit.of it continues on an incline on an elevated walkway. The terminating point of the elevator is beyond scary. On my last occasion to go to the boardroom, I had to walk the ramp, but the elevator still, after all of these years, doesn’t work properly. Once in the elevator, no air conditioning, the elevator would not go up. Repeatedly pushed the button, despite being advised not to by the signage in the elevator, as it was not moving and would not let me back out. Finally, one of the workers there at Lakeview, opened the door from the outside, and then the elevator moved to its destination. Had the encounter at the center, then it was time to leave Lakeview center. Walk around the circumference of the building to return to the elevator. Push the button for the elevator, nothing happened. Waited about 3 minutes and pushed the elevator button again. Nothing moving. A maintenance worker had to walk downstairs to the elevator and I think he said the door wasn’t closed properly, so he closed the door. I got in the elevator, with the maintenance worker standing by, and once again, no working elevator. He had to jiggle the door handle up and down to make a connection with the system. Every committee meeting, the meetings with the acting GM, and most every other meeting is done at Lakeview. Why? I would love to attend a meeting but I am precluded from doing so because of the ascent into Lakeview is steep. I also would think others have had the same issue, and may be a reason more people don’t volunteer for committees or have to wait months before they can get their rec cards? I know writing about this issue is not going to change access to Lakeview, but perhaps it’s time to look at other locations to have these meetings that are accessible by a flat entrance/exit just to help make the process somewhat more user friendly. As I heard Director Nettesheim offer and ask for others to join the OCC committee, the offer is most welcome, but I know I can’t make it. I would so love to attend the meeting with the acting GM, but I can’t make it. Lakeview, although considered a gem, is not handicapped friendly. Thank you for allowing me to share my story, and offer a different perspective on Lakeview Recreation Center.
Thx Carole, what a great post! My mom played cards there 2x/wk. Thank God I was trained on how to use a gait belt or she would have slid down those ramps like a toboggan. In 2023/4 when I needed help financially to pay my assessment (lived here and paid for 20 years) I was told to go there, was on a walker, could not navigate the ramp, so some kind BOD Member offered to come take me. WTF? If a BOD member was helping me and I fell what a lawsuit that would have been. Dopey me! Should have accepted and fell. It never fails to amaze how many "in the know" folks have so much say in this community but so little common sense. It's a funny s*it show! Best just to sit back, laugh your ass off, enjoy the last years of your life. Or you can choose to worry about your BOD members who will do what they want anyway! GOD help you all! Zen Den!
