# Accessible Urban Rest Areas The City of St. John's Increases Accessibility in Parks By Kalin Ned | Published 2024-11-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/urban-rest-areas References: [stjohns](https://www.stjohns.ca/en/news/city-enhances-accessibility-with-new-rest-areas.aspx)  The City of St. John's has introduced new accessible urban rest areas in two local parks as part of its ongoing commitment to [improving accessibility in public spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-infrastructure). This initiative follows feedback received during the public engagement process for the 2024-2026 Accessibility Plan, which highlighted the importance of accessible amenities in parks and trails. The accessible urban rest areas project was funded by the Accessible Communities Grant from the [Government of Newfoundland](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immersive-public-art-installation) and Labrador. It includes eight new rest areas located at Bidgoods Park and Rotary 'Sunshine' Park. Each rest area is equipped with benches that meet the CSA B651-23 Accessible Rest Area Seating Standards, ensuring comfort and inclusivity. The benches are placed on level, color-contrasting concrete bases to enhance visibility and safety. They are strategically positioned next to accessible trail routes, as well. Image Credit: The City of St. John's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 31% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Inclusive Urban Design:** Cities are increasingly implementing inclusive urban designs that cater to individuals with disabilities, transforming public spaces to be more welcoming for everyone. - **Public Space Accessibility:** There is a growing emphasis on enhancing the accessibility of public spaces, ensuring that parks and amenities are designed to be usable by all community members. - **Government-funded Accessibility Initiatives:** Government funding is playing a critical role in driving the development of accessible infrastructure projects that prioritize inclusivity in urban settings. ### Where This Applies - **Urban Planning:** The urban planning industry is evolving with a focus on creating environments that are accessible and inclusive, incorporating standards that address the needs of all citizens. - **Parks and Recreation:** The parks and recreation sector is actively enhancing public amenities to be inclusive, integrating accessibility features that provide a better experience for individuals with disabilities. - **Construction and Engineering:** The construction and engineering industry is innovating with new techniques and materials to develop structures that meet contemporary accessibility standards, ensuring safety and usability for diverse populations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Accessibility-Focused Public Grants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enhancing-access-to-spaces.md) - [Public Accessibility Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/for-your-convenience.md) - [Modern Accessibility Trailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-trailer.md) - [Community-Driven Accessibility Feedback Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iaccess-program.md) - [Upgraded Accessible Airport Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessibility-services.md) - [Accessible Tactile Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchyard-park.md) - [Accessible Recreational Activity Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recreational-activity-map.md) - [All-Terrain Outdoor Accessibility Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/texas-state-parks.md) - [Inclusive Trail Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-trail-maps.md)