Cripple Creek Construction limits access to casinos for elderly, disabled

84-year-old Caroline Cisneros has been coming to the casinos in Cripple Creek for decades.

Construction right in the heart of downtown makes it tough for Cisneros to traverse the town.

“It’s difficult for me to walk,” Cisneros said. “But I don’t come that often. I was dying to come so my daughters said okay, we’ll put up with you.”

Many elderly folks gambling in this historic mining town say handicap access is not up to par. Carol Vigil and her sister also have a tough time getting their mom inside Bronco Billy’s

“Just pushing the chair up over the curb, that’s like a hazard, something waiting to happen,” Vigil said.

Cripple Creek is in the middle of a $5 million project to widen sidewalks and provide better access to the thousands who play the slots and sit at the tables on a daily basis — especially the elderly and disabled

“Catering to recent ADA compliant issues is what this project is all about,” project manager Jim Blasing said. “And when it’s done it will be far more accessible than when it was before construction.”

With better access to this historic landscape, it’s a win-win for everyone.

The city says construction is expected to wrap up in October.