IUSD district maintenance recently updated Northwood’s sidewalks near the pool and front office in compliance with updated guidelines under the American Disabilities Act.
Construction finished just before the start of school, creating wheelchair friendly sidewalks that are safer for students and allow cars and buses to pull in for drop-offs and pick-ups. The updates are an extension to Northwood’s current pool renovations, which IUSD began last February.
“As part of the pool project, they had to review within a certain number of feet in area,” assistant principal Eric Keith said. “They looked at our sidewalks and deemed it as an area that needed to be addressed.”
The Standards for Accessible Design are guidelines set under the ADA to ensure public, commercial and government spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities. As part of any major construction project on campus, California state inspectors are required to review the surrounding area to ensure it is up to date with ADA standards.
“ADA ensures that different parts of the campus are accessible to all different types of disabilities,” Keith said. “Rules and laws change over the years. If you do any construction, you have to adjust all of it to make sure everything’s up to code.”
Along with the sidewalks, Northwood implemented new signs that direct traffic towards designated drop-off spaces and prevent stopping in less optimal areas, reducing the need for staff to regulate parking lot traffic in the mornings. The new turnouts also create more room for after school pick-ups.
“One time I had to pack up equipment for NTV, and my dad was able to park in the turnout so we didn’t have to disrupt other people when putting equipment away,” senior Mia Houng said. “I also used to have more space to walk with friends, but now it’s kind of crowded. There’s pros and cons.”
According to Keith, pool renovations, currently still in progress under the district’s contractor, Elegant Construction, are expected to conclude within the next four or five months.
