Concord Disability Commission Hears ADA Audit Progress, Flags Thoreau Playground Gaps

CARLISLE — May 14, 2026 — Concord's Disability Commission reviewed sweeping ADA audit progress and heard sharp criticism of the newly built Thoreau Playground at its May 14 meeting. ADA consultant Emmanuel reported that the town's public accessibility survey drew more than 170 responses, a record for any municipal client his firm has served, and said a 60-to-70-page draft self-evaluation and transition plan will be delivered to ADA Coordinator Jessica by June 1. Commission members pressed the consultant on the Thoreau Playground, which serves students with significant disabilities, noting it offers only one element — a merry-go-round — that a wheelchair user can access independently. "We missed the mark drastically," one member said, adding that designers had suggested wheelchair users could build upper-body strength on the rope structure. The commission voted unanimously to approve the prior month's minutes with corrections to two misspelled member names, and learned that two founding-era members, Jean Goldsberry and Janet, will conclude their terms June 30 as the Select Board weighs new appointments.