Access for All
Accessible Softball Fields are a Big HIT
The Parks Department and NYU Hospital’s Recreation Therapy department teamed up to bring the thrill of wheelchair sports to children with disabilities. On September 27, 2007, NYU Hospital strolled over to the fields at St. Vartan Park, which were recently upgraded to accommodate both Wheelchair Softball and Wheelchair Football. The Parks Department has accessible fields throughout all five boroughs, but this location was chosen to encourage NYU Hospital to utilize the fields for recreation therapy.
Last Thursday, 15 children with disabilities enjoyed a day of instruction on how to play Wheelchair Softball on the newly lined fields. Everyone enjoyed the day’s activities, which included practice throwing, catching, fielding and hitting. In fact, the drills were such a blast that the kids had to save the Wheelchair Football clinic for next time.
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation strives to help ALL New Yorkers discover how New York City’s 29,000 acres of parks can enrich their lives, promoting physical and emotional well-being, and providing venues for fitness and respite. There are accessible fields and programs throughout the city.
