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ACCESSIBILITY
IMPROVEMENTS AT FORT FISHER BEACH ACCESS AND FORT FISHER
HISTORIC SITES, Fort Fisher, NC
In 2000 HIPP + BEST Architects, then named J. Clark
Hipp Architects, worked with Ron Little of the State
Construction Office to improve handicap accessibility
at two State owned facilities, the Beach Access at the
Fort Fisher State Park and parking lot improvements
at the Fort Fisher Historic Site. In each case Clark
evaluated the existing conditions and developed a proposed
solution based on those conditions, compliance with
current code requirements, and the project budget.
At the Fort Fisher State
Park an existing beach access, which included steps
down to the beach, was modified to provide a sloped
ramp access. In an attempt to deal with the changing
conditions of the beachfront, the ramp was designed
to run under the existing beach elevation. If and when
the sand shifts away from the access, the buried length
of ramp will be uncovered but remain useable. This ingenious
solution should allow long term use of the ramp without
future modifications.
At the Historic Site
the existing parking lot did not have the correct number
or design of accessibility parking spaces. While several
existing spaces were signed, access from these spaces
to the entry was through the heavily used lot, creating
a dangerous condition for those with mobility impairments.
The solution presented utilized existing paved surfaces
and required only slight modifications to existing concrete
curbs. A new sidewalk was also installed which allows
mobility-impaired users to move from their vehicles
to the Historic Site entry away from the vehicular dangers
of the parking lot itself.
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