dec_2017

Santa in the Park will take place the evenings
of Dec. 6, 7, 8 & 9. Accessible night
is Dec. 6. Gates open at 5:30. Reservations
needed for accessible parking lot.
‘Twas the month before the annual Santa in
the Park hosted by Lancaster Parks and Recreation
and a group of holiday enthusiasts was assembled
around a table at the local IHOP trying to figure
out the logistics of making the event more accessible.
The event, held each at Alley Park in Lancaster,
had never been orchestrated as accessible for several
reasons:
~ The lodge is over 1/4-mile from the parking lot
~ The number of people attending require the
parking to be moved to a field across the road from the
park
~ The lane up to the lodge is small and can only accommodate
one-way traffic
~ Guests come in such large numbers that they enter
the building on the top floor but exit down the stairs
and out the lower level.
~ The weather can be unpredictable and might require
guests to walk a long distance through cold or precipi
tation.
But when Lancaster Parks Superintendent Mike Tharp learned that, with the help of Fairfield DD
and a host of volunteers, the event could be altered to accommodate everyone in the community, including
those with mobility needs or sensory issues, he was determined to make it work.
“It’s the right thing to do,” Tharp said. “It doesn’t matter if by customizing the event we only have
10 more guests. It’s the right thing to do and we will make it happen.”
The result—Santa in the Park added another night to the traditionally three-night event. This
year, on Wednesday December 6, people needing mobility assistance can call ahead and make a reservation
to for one of two performances. They will be able to drive right up to the entrance of the
lodge and depart their vehicle. Then the vehicle will be granted a space in the lot adjacent to the
lodge during the performance so that they can exit quickly and conveniently. In addition, the
Wednesday night performance, which features a visit with Santa and his elves inside their busy
workshop, will be sensory friendly, with adjusted sound and lighting and a slightly shorten skit.
“Originally when we started looking at making the adjustments we were thinking it would allow
for more children with disabilities to see the performance,” Tharp said. “As we began working on it, it
became clear that this would open the event up to even more people—grandparents or parents with
mobility issues, people sensitive to weather or long walks, just anybody who found the event difficult
to get to in the past. It’s really exciting.”
To tackle the problem with the one-lane road, Tharp and Fairfield DD found a group of volunteers
who will direct traffic from the park entrance to the lodge and who will be on-hand to assist anyone
who needs it. As for the traffic flow inside the lodge, guests that evening will assemble in smaller
groups and will enter and exit the building from the main floor, avoiding any stairs.
“The response from the public has been awesome,” Tharp said. “We are so excited to be able to do
this.”
In addition to the visit with Santa, Alley Park will be adorned with nearly 1 million lights, a true
holiday experience. People taking advantage of the pull-up parking are required to make reservations
in advance so park staff and volunteers can manage traffic flow effectively. Because this is an
inclusive event, people not needing accommodations are welcomed as well. Parking for these patrons
will be in the lot across the road as usual.
For more information about Santa in the Park or to make a reservation, call the Park office at 740-
687-6651. Gates open at 5:30 pm and two performance times are offered 6 and 7 pm. Special thanks
to Janie Heston and Julie Bruckelmeyer for assisting with this event!