As the summer starts this year, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors especially when most of the people are vaccinated and Covid cases have also declined. Parks and recreation areas are reopening. Downtowns and Old towns are also open for business. As we have a wheelchair user in the family we try to explore places that are wheelchair friendly. This summer we decided to visit some historic places in the Tri-City areas. We were surprised to know about the hidden history of Alvarado Niles Road. Driving along Alvarado-Niles Road we realized that this is one of the city’s largest streets which connects the historical Niles in Fremont district to Historic Alvarado District.
Alvarado Historic District
Alvarado Historic District is a quaint little old town almost frozen in time on the west side of Union City near the intersection of Smith Street and Union city blvd. The signature attraction of this place is the beautiful and picturesque Gazebo of Old Alvarado park. Smith street is very inviting for pedestrians and it’s a wheelchair-friendly place. You can just have a stroll in the quaint neighborhood clicking beautiful pictures in front of the gazebo and hang out at Cesar Chavez Park. The Union city historical museum is on Smith street which talks about the cultural, natural, and historical heritage of the city and is completely wheelchair accessible. There are a few cafes and eateries where you can grab a bite. This place has year-round weekend events like farmers’ markets, art shows, and Friday night Jazz bands.
♿️ Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️
- There are ADA parking on old Alvarado Public plaza
- The gazebo is not wheelchair Accessible
- There is access to Caesar Chavez park from Randal court too
- There are a few wheelchair-accessible restrooms in Cesar Chavez Park.
- The Union city Historical park is fully wheelchair accessible.
The historic town of Niles
The historic town of Niles is a completely accessible beautiful little town with a unique character of its own. This town is almost frozen in time trying to hold its place next to the ultra-modern Silicon Valley. Strolling around this little town will remind you of the old America of the 1940s and ’30s. The town of Niles is filled with incredible history. As you walk around you will find American flags on every corner. Charlie Chaplin started his career from this place which was years before Hollywood was formed. There is a silent film museum right on the street which has exhibits, screenings, and events to maintain the tradition.
This place is completely wheelchair accessible and easy to navigate around. There is an ice cream shop, a Donut place, and the famous Bronco billy’s pizza. You can just grab a bit and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the quaint town or Drive down the old town which is a very doable thing for wheelchair users. You can do some shopping at the Antique shops and The American Trading Post. Don’t forget to click a picture with the Charlie Chaplin standing on the street and the old Tram. If time permits you go for a Train trip to Sunol. The accessibility details can be found at https://www.tweshastraveldiary.com/2020/07/17/lockdown-trip-sunol-a-hidden-gem/
♿️Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️
- The entire area is wheelchair accessible
- There are ADA parking at Niles Town Plaza
- The Old Tram has a few steps so you can only take pictures standing in front of the Tram
- There are Accessible Restrooms in Niles Community Park.
