Life at iLevel Canada
Day Out At The Record Store
by Jared Wayland
Last Saturday, my 2-year-old son and I embarked on an exciting excursion through Downtown St. Catharines. We were eager to explore the vibrant atmosphere and attractions the city had to offer. As a power chair user, accessibility was a crucial factor in our plans, and I'm pleased to say that our experience exceeded expectations thanks to well-thought-out accessibility and the smooth ride of my Stretto.
Our day began with a visit to the Downtown Farmer's Market at Market Square - a bustling hub of local produce, artisanal goods, and community spirit. Navigating the market's lively aisles was a breeze thanks to the wide pathways and thoughtful layout, which allowed ample space for both pedestrians and power chair users like myself. From fresh fruits and vegetables and delicious baked goods to handmade crafts, there was no shortage of things to discover as we rolled through the market stalls.
After indulging in some delicious snacks (who doesn’t love cookies?) and picking up a few goodies to take home for dinner, my son and I made our way to our next destination, and one of my favourite stores in the city: Mindbomb Records. As we travelled the streets of Downtown St. Catharines, I couldn't help but appreciate the smooth, well-maintained sidewalks that made our journey pretty much effortless (aside from trying to wrangle my son when he wanted to explore on his own).
Upon arriving at Mindbomb Records, we were greeted by a welcoming entrance with a ramp, ensuring easy access for individuals with mobility devices. Once I rolled inside, we were enveloped by the nostalgic scent of vinyl records and the warm atmosphere of the store. The staff was incredibly accommodating, assisting us as we browsed through their extensive collection of records and sharing their passion for music with us.
As my son and I spent some time flipping through the different types of vinyl and looking at all of the cool artwork, which he loved, I thought about how cool it was to be sharing this moment with my son. He picked out a record from his favourite TV show, Bluey, and I picked out a few records for myself too. His collection is already getting quite big! On our way back to the van, I couldn't help but reflect on the inclusivity of Downtown St. Catharines. From the accessible pathways of the Farmer's Market to the wheelchair-friendly design of businesses like Mindbomb Records, every aspect of our adventure was thoughtfully crafted to cater to individuals of all abilities.
Our nice little Saturday in Downtown St. Catharines was a testament to the city's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. As we explored the vibrant streets and discovered hidden gems along the way, it was clear that Downtown St. Catharines was a place where everyone was welcome to join in the excitement and adventure.
Our day began with a visit to the Downtown Farmer's Market at Market Square - a bustling hub of local produce, artisanal goods, and community spirit. Navigating the market's lively aisles was a breeze thanks to the wide pathways and thoughtful layout, which allowed ample space for both pedestrians and power chair users like myself. From fresh fruits and vegetables and delicious baked goods to handmade crafts, there was no shortage of things to discover as we rolled through the market stalls.
After indulging in some delicious snacks (who doesn’t love cookies?) and picking up a few goodies to take home for dinner, my son and I made our way to our next destination, and one of my favourite stores in the city: Mindbomb Records. As we travelled the streets of Downtown St. Catharines, I couldn't help but appreciate the smooth, well-maintained sidewalks that made our journey pretty much effortless (aside from trying to wrangle my son when he wanted to explore on his own).
Upon arriving at Mindbomb Records, we were greeted by a welcoming entrance with a ramp, ensuring easy access for individuals with mobility devices. Once I rolled inside, we were enveloped by the nostalgic scent of vinyl records and the warm atmosphere of the store. The staff was incredibly accommodating, assisting us as we browsed through their extensive collection of records and sharing their passion for music with us.
As my son and I spent some time flipping through the different types of vinyl and looking at all of the cool artwork, which he loved, I thought about how cool it was to be sharing this moment with my son. He picked out a record from his favourite TV show, Bluey, and I picked out a few records for myself too. His collection is already getting quite big! On our way back to the van, I couldn't help but reflect on the inclusivity of Downtown St. Catharines. From the accessible pathways of the Farmer's Market to the wheelchair-friendly design of businesses like Mindbomb Records, every aspect of our adventure was thoughtfully crafted to cater to individuals of all abilities.
Our nice little Saturday in Downtown St. Catharines was a testament to the city's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. As we explored the vibrant streets and discovered hidden gems along the way, it was clear that Downtown St. Catharines was a place where everyone was welcome to join in the excitement and adventure.