Photo courtesy of Riverside Area Community Club social media.

With the birth of Captain James T. Kirk still over 200 years away, the City of Riverside is beginning plans to make the birthplace of the fictional Star Trek character more accessible.

At their meeting on Monday, June 5, the city agreed to open bidding on a project that would add a wheelchair-accessible ramp with a handrail. This would allow those with mobility scooters or other physical limitations to view the monument. With two separate bids, one for accessibility and one for repair, the estimated cost of the project is $55,000.

The monument is currently located in an alley near City Hall, and only accessible by taking a small set of stairs. The project is anticipated to begin shortly after TrekFest, which is June 23 and 24.