Accessibility Project

Both last year and this year our church-wide survey reminded us that we need to make our beautiful, historic sanctuary accessible to everyone. And without making people feel like they’re coming in the service entrance! For anyone who finds stairs a challenge, this poses an obstacle. While we do have a wheelchair lift, there is no way for mobility-challenged people to get to a bathroom without going outside and back in another door. Obviously, this does not reflect the warmth and friendliness of our church family.

We started exploring the possibility of an alternate entrance and/or bathroom last year, and I’m happy to say that we have preliminary architectural drawings that will achieve both things! We have a team that includes Rodolfo Garcia, Don Baker, Pastor Gene, myself, Patty Dudley, Melissa Fearrington, and Alan Lahue. You may not know that Rodolfo is an architect by trade, and he’s very excited about designing a welcoming, accessible entrance that will make the rear of the church (the area by the kitchen and current handicap entrance) reflect the friendly and inviting congregation that we are! And we might be able to figure out a way to get a bathroom on the sanctuary level, too – emphasis on the word might! We’re still early in the process and have to make sure the planning people at the Town of Simsbury will approve our designs.

We’re exploring possible grants that may help offset the cost, but as you can imagine, this will not be an inexpensive endeavor. We will have to initiate a capital campaign to raise funds once we have a rough estimate.

Alongside this project, we will tackle a requirement to “re-do” the back exit that comes up from the basement (to the right of the handicapped door, if you’re facing the back of the building). Currently, we are not in compliance with the fire and building codes because the stair lacks a required level landing at the top. We have been trying to figure out a way to avoid doing this project for a variety of reasons including we don’t use that door, it will be expensive, and it will be unsightly. However, by using the available space to make an accessible and inviting rear entrance, we can incorporate this project and get “two scoops on one cone!”

Please keep an eye out for drawings or renderings. We’re hoping to get a capital campaign kicked off soon and get this wonderful upgrade to our beautiful building started!

Jennifer Acheson
SUM Church Council Chair