Misuse of Spokane River ramp may force removal

COEUR d'ALENE — When Devyn Burdett goes with her kids to use the ADA-compliant ramp at Atlas Park so she can cool off in the Spokane River, she finds people already there.

And that's a problem.

Kids and adults are often found diving and launching off the platform.

So, Burdett, the 2021 Ms. Wheelchair Idaho, tries to explain to them why the ramp is there and who should use it.

"It's for people like me so I can get into the water," she says.

The response is generally not what she is hoping to hear.

While some apologize, most offer a few colorful words or simply ignore her.

"For the most part I'm told to get lost," Burdett said. 

It's disappointing.

"For me, I feel like it's a losing battle," Burdett said. "It's the one place people in wheelchairs can go and actually have some fun." 

Bill Greenwood, city parks director, said misuse of the aluminum ramp that was installed three years ago has been a continual problem and the city has on several occasions had to repair bent and broken railings.

He said most recently, a person threatened to sue the city because they slipped on the ramp.

That's when Greenwood asked, "Were you in your wheelchair?"

"No," came the answer.

To which Greenwood responded, "It's not for you."

A spokesperson with the Disability Action Center previously told The Press the ramp allows those in wheelchairs to roll themselves into the water, secure the chair, and drift away on a flotation device.

It gives them access to the Spokane River in a way not previously available.

“It’s amazing. It’s going to change a lot of people’s lives,” Michelle Porter said.

Greenwood said the ramp was designed to have a smooth finish so those in wheelchairs could easily roll through the water. But in response to others without disabilities using it, the city added grit to the surface and painted it.

He said city staff is frustrated that people blatantly ignore the sign that spells out the rules for the ramp's use:

"The Atlas Accessible Swim Facility is specially designed to provide citizens with a disability a dedicated access to the Spokane River. If you do not have a disability, we ask that you please respect the purpose of this facility for those who need it to access the Spokane River."

Many ignore that message.

Greenwood has gone there himself and asked people without disabilities to not use the ramp.

He has talked to parents watching their kids play on it. For the most part, they tell him to bugger off or give him the bird. 

"Well, there's no one here," Greenwood has been told. "I'll move when they get here."

He said one person told him the ramp was a noble cause, but maybe it's time to remove it.

"I don't know what the answer is," Greenwood said. "We haven't found a solution."

The city wants to keep the ramp available for those in wheelchairs, but misuse may force its removal.

"The abuse is such it's going to ruin it for the disabled folks," Greenwood said.

He said when they celebrated the ramp's opening July 23, 2021, he didn't anticipate this problem.

"Not for one moment," Greenwood said.

The city could increase signage, place a handicapped placard on the ramp way, have police swing by, but Greenwood doubts it would have an impact. 

"They don't care," Greenwood said. "They just don't care."

Burdett said she is planning to use the ramp Sunday, when it's expected to top 100 degrees. She's looking forward to the cold water of the Spokane River cooling her off but fears a day may come she won't have that opportunity.

"If they continue to use it as a jungle gym, I'm not going to be able to use it for its intended purposes," Burdett said.

She loves it not for herself, but for children with disabilities who might not otherwise reach the river and enjoy a summer swim with friends.

"They can get in the water with cousins, brothers and sisters," Burdett said. "It's life-changing to have something like that."

    A sign outlines guidelines for using the ramp leading into the Spokane River for those with disabilities at Atlas Park.