The Independence Police Department has issued information regarding the availability of designated ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) parking downtown during the Neewollah festival.
This year, accessible parking spaces will be designated Wednesday, October 26, through Saturday, October 29, as follows:
• In the municipal parking lot at 6th & Myrtle – 5 ADA spaces located at the north end of the lot;
• On Laurel Street behind the Neewollah bandstand – 2 ADA spaces on the north side of the street. Drop-offs also are allowed behind the bandstand.
• In the municipal parking lot at 8th & Chestnut – 8 ADA spaces along the north side of the lot.
Designated ADA parking spaces will be marked with traffic paint, barricades and signage, and, according to Police Captain Lisa Helkenberg, they will be monitored regularly by officers.
“Our objective is to help facilitate a safe and enjoyable festival experience for everyone,” Helkenberg said. “To that end, it’s important that citizens observe and respect the modified parking rules for the week.”
Additionally, a number of special parking spaces will be allotted for those with disabilities to allow for convenient viewing of the Grand Parade on Saturday, October 29. These spaces are accessible via the intersection at 9th & Maple streets.
In order to use the special parade parking area, citizens are required to obtain a temporary parking permit from the Independence Police Department. A limited supply of permits is available in the 911 dispatch center, located on the lower level of temporary City Hall at 811 W. Laurel, and will be distributed through Friday, October 28, or while supplies last. Permits are free of charge, but recipients must present their identification number from their vehicle’s registered disability placard.