Ringgold CVB planning to replace wooden decking at Depot and make facility more handicap accessible
The city of Ringgold is making an investment in one of its most beloved and most frequently used facilities by planning an overhaul of the decking and handicap entryways to the historic downtown Depot.
The Depot, which is used continuously throughout the year, is in need of new decking and stairs, which has led to the city evaluating its handicap accessibility and future upkeep of the structure.
“We’re looking at upgrading the ramps and things at the Depot,” said Mayor Nick Millwood. “It came about while we were looking to replace some of the wood decking.”
In addition to some of the diminishing wood, city officials say they’d like to also make a more easily accessible handicap ramp near the Depot’s main entrance.
For musical events, live theatre, and community gatherings, the Depot primarily uses the entrance closest to the U.S. Highway 41 overpass.
As it stands now, the facility’s handicap ramp is at the opposite end of the building, roughly 200 feet away from the main entrance, which has prompted the plan to add a ramp near entrance to coincide with the newly erected Barger Bridge for pedestrian crossing.
“We’re wanting to make everything more accessible,” said Rhonda Johnson, Ringgold’s Main Street director. “The city
wants to create more connectivity to the parking lot across the street from the Depot, to the pedestrian bridge, and on to the Depot itself. We may have to move some signage and make the walkways a little wider to be more consistent and make everything accessible for everyone.”
The project is being funded through the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and is ready to go out to bid.
Along with the handicap upgrades, the plan for the deck also includes switching from natural wood decking to that of a concrete stamp.
“We’ve been looking at different ways to do the decking,” Johnson said. “The stamped concrete really looks like a wooden deck, and it may be a real cost effective way for us to have a great looking entry way to the Depot that won’t require as much maintenance in the future.”