Mandan, ND — Mandan Parks and Recreation has reached a settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office after an investigation revealed multiple violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the Starion Sports Complex. The facility, which opened in 2017, is an 84,000 square foot sports venue that includes two ice rinks, a gymnastics center, a parks maintenance shop, a rubberized track, and various athletic facilities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office found that the complex was not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Key issues identified in the investigation included an inaccessible path to visitor seating at the football field and non-integrated accessible seating in the competition ice rink. Additionally, other areas of the complex, such as bathrooms, concourses, skate rental counters, and an outdoor picnic area, failed to meet ADA standards. The investigation also noted deficiencies with the facility’s assistive listening systems.
As part of the settlement, Mandan Parks and Recreation has agreed to address these accessibility issues to ensure the complex complies with federal requirements. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of providing equal access to public facilities for people with disabilities.
“Protecting access for individuals with disabilities is a priority for the United States Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider. “Mandan Parks and Recreation cooperated throughout this investigation, and I commend its commitment to quickly address the ADA violations when these barriers to accessibility were brought to its attention. The Starion is a great venue, and this settlement will help ensure everyone is able to access it.”
Federal law prohibits discrimination by public entities, such as Mandan Parks and Recreation, based on disability. Newly constructed buildings must comply with the ADA’s accessibility requirements to accommodate people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs.
Individuals who believe a public place in North Dakota is not accessible to people with disabilities can file a complaint through the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA website at www.ada.gov or by contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 701-297-7400.
