Reference
Accessibility: terrain we can describe, claims we will not invent
An honest accessibility page has to distinguish between what is observable in public space and what only an operator can confirm. This page does both, and marks the difference on every row.
Public space
Terrain and surfaces by area
Observable conditions in public streets and parks, described rather than rated.
| Area | Surface | Gradient | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Square and downtown core | Asphalt and concrete sidewalk, granite curbing, some brick sections | Largely level | Curb cuts present but not uniform. Brick sections can be uneven where tree roots have lifted paving. |
| The South End | Mixed brick, concrete, occasional gravel; sidewalks intermittent | Gentle, with short pitches toward the water | Some lanes have no sidewalk at all and no step-free alternative. |
| The Hill | Brick walks and paved terraces | Distinct rise, with steps between levels | Step-free routes exist but are indirect. Expect to double back. |
| Waterfront parks | Paved paths in newer parks; cobble and timber at older wharves | Level with occasional ramps | Wharf edges and working piers are not designed for accessible use. |
| West End | Modern concrete sidewalk | Level | Generally the easiest terrain in this guide; individual converted buildings vary. |
- Verification status
- Unverified sample
- Last verified:
- not yet verified
- Source:
- pending — municipal accessibility data and on-site survey
Planning
Practical advice for a historic city
- Historic thresholds are the main obstacle. Many eighteenth- and nineteenth-century buildings have one or two steps at the entrance and no practical alternative route.
- Ask before you travel, not on arrival. Small operators answer the phone and will describe their entrance honestly.
- Plan around surfaces, not distance. Twelve minutes on modern sidewalk is easier than four minutes on lifted brick.
- Use the planner's step-free weighting. It prioritises shorter, indoor stops — but it cannot confirm any venue's access.
Something out of date on the accessibility reference? Send a correction with a source and we will update the record and its verification date.