Access for All
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 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.
Exercise Your Ability
New York City’s ultimate guide to adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities
Download e-book [PDF - 3.4MB] - Right-click and "Save As"
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.
Latest Updates
The I FISH NY program, in conjunction with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, is pleased to offer a free fishing clinic designed to introduce people with disabilities to the sport of fishing in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, on Saturday, September 13th, 2008 from
11 am – 3 pm (with September 14th as a rain date).
Family, friends and caregivers will also be welcomed to fish at this clinic. Fishing licenses are not required during this special event as it has been designated a “free fishing day” by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
Pre-registration is required - contact the I FISH NY program at (718) 482-4022 to reserve space.
Videos of Sample Sit Aerobics Exercises Added
Challenged Athlete Foundation to host Multi Sport Clinic for the disabled
Five Boro Bike Tour
Disabled cyclers with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries, amputees and spina bifida participated in Five Boro Bike Tour on May 6, 2007. It was a beautiful day with lots of amazing views and a great way for handcyclers to tour the city, according to John Roberts from the Bronx. The bike tour is very receptive to including people with disabilities and is constantly adding features to get riders involved. To find out more about the bike tour this year, visit bikenewyork.org Or, if you are a handcycler interested in riding with Parks, please email the Accessibility Coordinator.
On a beautiful and bright Spring Day, the 7th Annual Sled Hockey Game between the United Spinal Rangers and United Spinal Islanders took place at Lasker Rink in Central Park on March 30th. The sled hockey teams played a competitive game that will go down in the books.
More Info
The Wheelchair Basketball Conference Championship Games to be held in Brooklyn.
The following are the scores:
EWBC Semi-final - Game #1 - Rank #3
United Spinal Nets D2 37 v. Rank #2 Bulova Rolling Renegades 55
EWBC Exhibition - Game #2
United Spinal Nets D3 38 v. United Spinal Liberty Women';s Team 25
EWBC Championship Game - Rank #1
Congratulations to the NY Rolling Knicks for winning the 2007-2008 Eastern Wheelchair Basketball Conference Championship! Thank the NYC Parks & Recreation Department and the staff at the St John´s Recreation Center, especially Coach Lloyd for his support and hospitality. More Info
Wheelchair Tennis Players and Enthusiasts
We are excited to announce that the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center will be hosting the 8th Annual Jana Hunsaker Memorial Wheelchair Tennis Tournament on Thursday June 5th to Sunday June 8th, 2008. All Divisions are Welcome and we are offering $8,000 in Prize Money.
This year we will also have a Wheelchair Tennis Clinic for Disabled Children on Friday June 7th, 2008 and if players get their entry's in by April 24th, they'll be in a Drawing for Tickets to a Broadway Show.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Takayama-Wolfson
Download Registration(PDF - 78KB)
Thank you to everyone who made KEEN New York’s first program a hit.
KEEN Sports, launched on January 26th at the East 54th Street Recreational Facility, was attended by some amazing volunteers and children that had a great time while burning some energy playing sports and getting to know each other.
More Info
Sit Aerobic Classes
These classes are designed to help seniors and people with mobility limitations. Classes consist of upper body strengthening as well as a cardiovascular workout. These classes are hosted in Recreation Centers throughout the city.
More Info
Wheelchair Power Soccer
On Sunday October 13 at Greenbelt Recreation Center on Staten Island Parks will be starting a wheelchair power soccer program. For more information and times contact Dave Deas at 718.667.3545 or refer to Greenbelt Recreation Center
To find out more about Wheelchair Power Soccer refer to
Power Soccer Fact Sheet or
More Info
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!