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I am a handicapped first timer and would love to hear from other handicappers about your past experiences at Bonnaroo. Is there a handicapped camping area that is near Centeroo, or are we expected to walk the distance? Do they have an handicappers entrance, so we don't have to wait on the long entrance line?
Roob, I am also a first timer at Roo this year but have found out a few things about accessible camping this year. The accessible camping area is not very close to centerroo, 2/3 of a mile from the back of the a/c area. I'm not sure if I'll camp there because it's so far away but not having been there before I don't know if it's closer than regular camping. The good news is they are building a veiwing platform at each stage, they said not to close but not to far away, whatever that means. I have MD so I have to use an electric chair, I've asked if they could put the platforms next to the sound boards and put a plug for my chair to recharge while I'm there. I'd rather be front row but with 90,000 people I don't think it's happening at this one. My advice is to email them with your concerns as I have, the more feedback we give the better chance they'll take notice and we'll get some answers and some action. Tell them 2/3 of a mile is to far to wheel yourself in the hot Tennessee sun, I don't think they understand how hard it is to move on a dirt road at best. That's what I've told them because my batteries won't last the weekend from the far away. The squeaky wheel gets the grease bro. The address is: access@bonnaroo.com Bill T.
The very bottom of the General info section on the website says the campground is close to centeroo? Hell they should have it off to the side of shakedown and right near the entrance to centeroo. They should also make a gate entering specifically for wheelchairs and make sure it does not turn into a mud-puddle like the rest of the gates.
Hi Guys... In the logistics section, there is a thread titled "Map of the Bonnaro Grounds". If you look at this map from last year, you can see an ADA camping section. This may give you a rough idea of about how far you'll have to go to get to centeroo. See you there!
Post by lunaladybug on Apr 22, 2004 10:13:41 GMT -5
My advice is to email them with your concerns as I have, the more feedback we give the better chance they'll take notice and we'll get some answers and some action. Tell them 2/3 of a mile is to far to wheel yourself in the hot Tennessee sun,
Very good idea. The only way to make things better is to let the organizers know what we as Bonnaroo patrons want and need at the show.
Here's the letter I sent to Bonnaroo and their responce.
Hi Bill, We appreciate your email and do have an understanding of the issues you have raised. It is our goal to make it as easy as possible for people with disabilities to attend and enjoy Bonnaroo. Unfortunately there are some inherent difficulties of holding such a large event in an open field, which makes for some tough situations.
Regarding moving the Accessible Camping area. we have reviewed this issue and have determined at this time that the current area is the best location for a variety of reasons. It is very close to the main entrance to Centeroo which is where the majority of activities and performances are held. The area is also very close to our interstate entrance which will make the loading of the area the most convenient. The large majority of other camping areas are much further away from both Centeroo and the Main Stage. Bonnaroo is a very large event (the site is over 600 acres) and it entails a lot of travel no matter where you start out. Also, there are quite a few people who camp in the Accessible Camping area. I don't know the numbers of folks who use chairs in particular, but Bonnaroo provides accessible camping for everyone who has a mobility disability (whether they use chairs or not), as well as their companions. Therefore we do need to reserve a decent size area for Accessible Camping.
Unfortunately, Bonnaroo is not going to be able to provide the service of recharging power wheelchairs. Have you looked into recharging with a generator? As I understand it, this can work. I have also heard that people are able to recharge from the car battery itself. Please consider these options.
I am going to review the set up carefully this year and will also be gathering input from attendees. Bonnaroo continues to look for ways to improve and is making improvements each year.
We appreciate your understanding of these matters.
Laura
Laura Grunfeld Bonnaroo Access Consultant
Laura, It just accrued to me that if you had a plug on the viewing platforms we could recharge while watching the bands. Set the platforms up next to the soundboards and our power problems would be solved. Two birds with one stone so to speak. Just a thought. Bill
Laura, I appreciate you getting back to me with this info, unfortunately it isn't very good news. 2/3 of a mile is an awful long way from the main stage, the music is the only thing that matters to me as I am self sufficient with everything else. At 2/3 of a mile my batteries will be dead by early Saturday and the rest of the weekend will be very disappointing for me, I was hoping not to have to think about anything over the weekend especially my batteries. There has to be some way to get the actual wheelchair camping closer to the stages. Try to imagine wheeling 2/3 of a mile and back to see a band, all your energy [physical and or electrical] will be used up in this way. It's not like wheeling down the street, it's a dirt road at best and it's not easy to do. In many cases people in wheelchairs are not the healthiest and in the hot Tennessee sun being so far from the stage may cause problems, especially for people from cooler climates that are not used to that kind of heat.
Couldn't you set aside some camping space closer to the stage just for [wheelchairs only] , I really don't think they'll be that many people in chairs. I am usually the only one at smaller festivals and see about 6 at the Gathering of the Vibes each year and that's out of about 15000 people. So 6 per 15000 adds up to around 36 chairs and I really don't think you'll have 36 chairs there at Bonarroo so the area doesn't have to be very large.
Accessible camping should mean easy and enjoyable camping for people using chairs. Our lives have enough barriers in everyday living so please don't make Bonarroo one more disappointment, we need to have an easy time once in a while so please help us achieve that at Bonarroo this June. Your trying so hard to make things great for us but are not addressing problem #1, you must put yourself in our shoes for a moment and try to make this right for us.
Hey BillT... I was reading my latest issue of Relix over the weekend and saw an article about handicapped facilities at Roo. They mentioned a Bill T___. Could that be you?!
I camped in the accessible section last year. and it is really not that far to centeroo. One of my best friends is in a chair (his is not electric) and we saw quite a few other people. of all shapes and sizes. everyone did pretty well with getting around. Now, if it rains ALOT, things can get pretty mucky. But, it's do-able for sure! I emailed with laura(accessbonnaroo) some last year and found her very helpful and nice... See ya there!
