Editor,
I am a fairly new resident to the Eureka Springs and Holiday Island area and I am very distressed at the lack of courtesy disabled residents are given to freely go about town and enjoy the shopping and dining at our own leisure. Don’t get me wrong, the people are warm, friendly, helpful and inviting… but the streets, shops, sidewalks and doorways are LESS than ADA regulated and friendly.
I hear many complaints from locals who are older or disabled… people who use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs… and there are many of us who miss coming to the downtown area because of the conditions. There is so much missed by this group in the community who can’t enjoy Eureka Springs and would if they could.
I, personally, miss participating in the activities, parades, strolling the streets, window shopping and being a part of the great things in our community. It was one of the reasons I moved down to this area, to be a part of this great community.
But when you don’t feel welcome to come into town and freely be a part of things because you’re in an electric wheelchair and don’t want to take an entourage of people with you when you go to town, things become an issue when a city doesn’t welcome everyone.
Eureka Springs, it is time to make some changes… Keep the history but make it friendly for everyone to see and enjoy!
Rachel G. Sheats