Resident urges improved handicapped access at Landing Days; city staff to follow up

Lisa Keller, a Umatilla resident, used public comment to raise accessibility concerns about Landing Days. She said a vendor in a wheelchair, who had only one functioning leg, struggled to ascend a steep hill on the East Side and that vendors and others assisted repeatedly. Keller asked the city to consider removable ramps, an accessible restroom on the East Side near accessible parking and other temporary measures to ease mobility at the event.

Councilors thanked Keller for raising the issue and Parks and Recreation Director Esmeralda offered to connect with her after the meeting to explore options and provide assistance. Keller said she had discussed the concern with city staff previously and wanted it recorded for council consideration.

The exchange was limited to public comment; council did not direct staff to prepare a formal accessibility plan during that meeting, but the parks director agreed to follow up with the resident and investigate temporary or longer-term accommodations for people using mobility devices at events.