Access for All
The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation strives to help ALL New Yorkers discover how New York City’s nearly 29,000 acres of parks can enrich their lives, promoting physical and emotional well-being, and providing venues for fitness and peaceful respite for the widest possible audience. The Parks Department’s goal is to go beyond mere compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide access, as well as increased opportunities for recreation and participation, by improving Parks processes and through strategic partnerships. Parks is currently hard at work on an agency-wide transition plan to make all aspects of the Parks Department more accessible and has put together an ADA Committee to offer guidance on accessibility issues throughout in City parks.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the accessibility of our website or any other Parks and Recreation property, please contact us, as we are continually striving to improve the experience for all visitors. You may also submit a complaint regarding our ADA compliance.
Our commitment to accessibility for all is ongoing, so please check back often as we update these pages and work to provide more comprehensive information and timely updates.
Learn More about the history of accessibility in parks.
Exercise Your Ability
New York City’s ultimate guide to adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities
Latest Updates
Fourth of July Viewing Area for People with Disabilities
There will be a designated viewing area located in De
Witt Clinton Park (between 54th & 52nd Street on
11th Avenue) for people with disabilities to watch the fireworks
on July 4. NYPD and Parks Enforcement Patrol will direct people
to the area, and accessible bathrooms and water fountains are
located in the park. It's a fairly large space, but seating
is limited to 300. There will also be vehicle drop off on 11th
Avenue in front of the park.
Paralympic Sport New York City
Join us for a six-week Paralympic track & field program, beginning July 7, 2009!
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President Obama Announces New White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport
This permanent White House office will promote the values of the Olympic Movement and encourage increased youth participation in athletics. The primary function of the Office will be to enhance awareness of the Olympic Movement through promotion of its fundamental principles at the federal level.
Read the White House Press Release
Read the U.S. Olympic Committee Reaction to President Obama’s Announcement
The High Line Opens
The new park is accessible by elevator at 16th Street. In July there will be another elevator operating at 14th Street, and future elevator sites
include 23rd Street, 30th Street and, in 2012, Gansevoort Street. Other accessible amenities on the line include benches with armrests,
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Practice begins May 28, and the season runs through September 10.
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This summer, Bethesda Aquatics, in partnership with Parks & Recreation's Citywide Aquatics Division, offers free Adapted Aquatics instruction to children and adults of all ages at five Parks pool locations.
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Mets – Willets Point Subway Station Accessibility
On game days and special events only, starting Monday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. and throughout the 2009 baseball season.
Send Us Your Picture
If you or someone you know has a disability and is enjoying our Parks, Playgrounds, or Rec Centers, send us a picture with a description of what you are doing and where you are, and we will highlight you on our site!