Photo: Seated viewing area for the PNH400 Grand Parade held on June 3, 2023

Making Portsmouth More Accessible

By Anne Weidman, JSA Architects

Six years ago, at an idea-gathering session for the 400th anniversary at the Portsmouth Library led by Susan Labrie, I offered to figure out better access for the Grand Parade Signature Event. We used the 2022 Christmas Parade as a pilot and created a seated viewing area by the Bridge Street Parking Lot. It went really well so we replicated the approach for the 400th Grand Parade. We called it a “seated viewing area for people who have difficulty standing” and kept the term “ADA” out of it. This made it more inclusive and less about being handicapped or disabled.

What made this extra attractive and successful for those in need of the access was the six extra parking spaces that were designated in the Bridge Street Parking Lot on parade day. This will now be the standard operating procedure for the city for this particular parade route.

Todd Hanson and I spent both parades in the seated area ensuring that those who were seated had unobstructed views of the parade. The group gathered in the viewing area was a festive bunch with a lot of camaraderie. It was fun!

We’re already scouting a location for the Halloween Parade, which has a different parade route. We have great possibilities—stay tuned for an announcement.

About Access Navigators: Access Navigators started 8 years ago as an initiative of JSA Architects. We speak internationally and nationally. Mostly we collect data on community accessibility in towns all over New England and create maps of inclusive restaurants and attractions to visit. We also teach a course on community accessibility to Occupational Therapy graduate students at UNH.

In Portsmouth, we keep an eye on things that could be upgraded at minimal cost and offer our insights whenever appropriate or asked for. A recent success: We had an idea to increase the accessible parking at Prescott Park by having the park’s 16-space parking lot become 100% accessible during PPAF events. We talked to many people with disabilities and asked about their pain points. The answer was parking at Prescott Park (it has three spaces). We went to the city in February 2023 and proposed to make all 16 spaces accessible from 5pm to 11pm for the summer during PPAF events. The idea was approved and is now implemented. At the end of the season, the parking lot will revert to three accessible spaces.

Photo: “Then” photo of the “Now” Solari Spa on Market Street.

It’s no secret that Portsmouth has undergone many changes, esp. in the last decade. That’s what makes this Portsmouth Athenaeum 400th anniversary project just so fun — “Then & Now: A photo tour of downtown Portsmouth”. Take a walk downtown to see “Then” photos of the following “Now” businesses (in no particular order):

1. Portsmouth Athenaeum

2. Bangor Savings Bank

3. The Black Dog

4. The Eyeglass Shop

5. Flower Kiosk

6. Flatbread Company

7. G. Willikers

8. Inside Out

9. Loaded Question

10. The Music Hall

11. The Music Hall Lounge

12. Piscataqua Savings Bank

13. Portsmouth Soap

14. Solari Spa (see above photo)

15. The Works

16. TJs

17. Warners Card

Sail Portsmouth is ‘Round the Corner!

Join us for Sail Portsmouth, a thrilling four-day event that celebrates the maritime heritage of Portsmouth! The excitement kicks off on July 27th with the magnificent Parade of Sail, a sight to behold as majestic vessels take to the water in a stunning display. Supported by prestigious sponsors such as PNH400, Hamilton Marine, Avery Insurance, and the Propeller Club, Flotilla 400 promises an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the enchanting Blessing of the Fleet, sponsored by PNH400 and Brewster's Bait and Tackle. Explore the updated event details on our website and get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Sail Portsmouth.

Upcoming: The Enchanting Little Italy Masquerade Ball!

Prepare to be enchanted as the Little Italy Celebrations team unveils a most spectacular event - the breathtaking Masquerade Ball!

Immerse yourself in a world of mystery and allure, where Venetian gowns, meticulously designed and handcrafted by a talented local artist, will adorn the graceful figures who welcome you at the entrance.

With each passing day, the anticipation grows. In the words of Massimo Morgia, this event will be talked about fondly for years to come!

Don't miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary affair!

About Ceal. I am a Portsmouth transplant from Portland, Oregon. I began volunteering in 2016 at The Music Hall and for several local events such as Gather, Tall Ships, and various road races. I find the opportunity to volunteer more accessible and gratifying in a smaller community such as Portsmouth. In addition to the PNH400 events, my other volunteer organizations include: The Music Hall, Portsmouth Lions Club, and the Portsmouth Athenaeum.

What PNH400 events have you worked so far? Starting back in December and January I assisted with the mailings of online sales of calendars, hats, license plates, etc. Also, in January, I helped at the kick-off bridge lighting event down at Prescott Park by handing out light sticks, hand warmers, and helping navigate the crowd through town to the South Church. I was a street captain for the PNH400 Parade and I also painted the Sherburne house for the PNH400 float. I helped with the set up/tear down of the PNH400 Market Square booth, and worked the booth during the day. I have helped transport gear from place to place when needed, before and after events. A few events I hope to volunteer for are the Sail Portsmouth Tall Ships, Little Italy Celebrations, and Indigenous Peoples Pow Wow.

Here’s why Ceal decided to be part of the PNH400 Team. I decided to join the PNH400 volunteer team with a goal to become more integrated into the community and find areas in which I can contribute: A Give Back or Pay It Forward trait that comes very easy for me. Added benefits to volunteering are meeting new people, learning about all these great little micro communities within the town and then of course, learning about the history of Portsmouth along the way. What’s not to love about giving your time for a good cause. The Portsmouth community has been very gracious and thankful for volunteers so that makes contributing time and energy easy. Plus, It’s just fun!

Thank you, Ceal! We love your joyful and giving attitude!