Launch of New Web-Based Destinations Map Highlights More than 260 Locations with Accessible Recreation Features
More than $5 Million in Recent State Accessibility Projects Completed to Expand Recreational Opportunities for People of All Ages and Abilities
New Yorkers Encouraged to Visit DEC and State Parks Destinations During ‘Get Outdoors & Get Together Day’ Events on Saturday, June 8
Photos of Recent Projects Available Here
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a new easy-to-use map of accessible recreation features and the completion of more than $5 million in recreation upgrades to enhance the experience of persons with disabilities who access DEC’s lands and services. During an event at the Mount Loretto Unique Area on Staten Island, DEC joined partners to highlight the agency's commitment to accessibility projects that expand opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy outdoor recreation on State lands and launched an Accessible Recreation Destinations Map designed to showcase wheelchair-accessible features at education centers, campgrounds and day use areas, waterway access sites, and trails, among other features.
“DEC welcomes outdoor adventurers of all ages and abilities to visit New York’s world-class State lands and is committed to expanding accessible outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the state,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “With easy-to-use enhanced mapping features and ongoing accessibility infrastructure improvements, DEC is working hard to ensure everyone can find and enjoy the abundant recreational opportunities and facilities in communities across New York State.”
Finding Accessible Recreation Opportunities
DEC's newly launched Accessible Recreation Destinations Map displays 266 destinations across New York State with wheelchair accessible outdoor recreation opportunities, including:
- 84 locations with accessible boating facilities;
- 58 locations with accessible fishing facilities;
- 44 locations with accessible camping facilities;
- 50 locations with accessible hiking trails;
- 10 locations with an accessible beach access route; and
- 47 locations with accessible picnic facilities.
For more information, including descriptions and photo galleries of accessible boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnic facilities, visit the DEC website. Accessible recreation features at DEC facilities are consistent with the federal accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA):
- Accessible boat launches, fishing platforms, and picnic and viewing areas have wheelchair accessible amenities and are accessible by an outdoor access route or accessible trail;
- Accessible campsites are designed for use by people with mobility disabilities and offer an accessible picnic table and fireplace/ring, along with a firm, graded surface suitable for navigation of a mobility device; and
- Accessible trails have shallow grades, wide tread, and firm compact surfaces of crushed stone, boardwalk, and pavement.
In addition to the map, information on accessible recreation was refreshed throughout DEC’s website to ensure consistent and accurate information for the public on all recreation webpages.
Recently Completed Accessibility Improvement Projects
DEC completed the following projects on State lands to improve access for New Yorkers of all ages and abilities:
- Mount Loretto Unique Area in Richmond County: DEC Region 2 Operations completed a new accessible wetlands trail that provides a half-mile accessible trail. The trail incorporates a stone dust trail and elevated boardwalk that culminates in a new viewing area overlooking tidal wetlands and an inlet. This improved path provides additional access to the beach at Mount Loretto Unique Area and connects with other accessible features on the property. Funding for this project was provided by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and NY Works for a total investment of $835,000.
- Mongaup Pond Campground and Day Use Area in Sullivan County: DEC completed two new shower buildings to provide visitors with modern restrooms and showers fully accessible to people with disabilities, including all gender toilet and shower rooms. One of the new shower buildings is conveniently located in the day use area for people visiting the beach and accessible picnic area and fishing platform; the other new building is in the camping area in Loop G on the north side of Mongaup Pond. These improvements were funded with $3.9 million from the EPF and NY Works.
- Caroga Lake, Meacham Lake, and Lake Eaton campgrounds and day use areas in Fulton, Franklin, and Hamilton counties: DEC renovated three restroom buildings in these campgrounds to ADA standards providing wheelchair accessible restroom facilities for visitors. The renovated restrooms at both Caroga Lake and Lake Eaton are conveniently adjacent to the beach and picnic areas. Lake Eaton Campground also offers visitors an accessible picnic area and beach access route for launching hand boats. Meacham Lake Campground has two accessible restrooms buildings, one near the entrance station and the other near Campsite 81 on the eastern side of the Lake, in addition to the existing accessible shower building in the day use area. The project was funded with $329,714 through NY Works.
- Patridge Run Wildlife WMA in Albany County: DEC completed construction of a half-mile long accessible interpretive trail. The project led by DEC’s Bureau of Wildlife’s Young Forest Initiative and completed by DEC Region 4 Operations staff is designed to increase public awareness about forest management and protection specifically as it relates to wildlife management. The long loop trail offers low-angle displays and information about different stages of forest growth and benefits to wildlife. This site also has an accessible viewing tower constructed in 2020 that provides an elevated view of vegetation managed by the Young Forest Initiative. The interpretive trail project was funded with $132,177 from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Fund, the EPF, and NY Works. Partridge Run WMA recreational opportunities include hunting, trapping, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography, and is a location on the New York State Birding Trail.
- Arnold Lake State Forest in Otsego County: DEC Region 4 Operations completed a new accessible route to a newly constructed lean-to. Arnold Lake State Forest is 1,266 acres and used by visitors for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, hunting, trapping, and wildlife watching. The project was funded with $26,529 through NY Works and expands opportunities for the public and people of all abilities to enjoy recreational activities on State lands, including a peaceful camping experience.
All projects advance DEC’s ‘Adventure NY’ initiative aimed at connecting New York families and visitors to the great outdoors and improving their experience.
Get Outdoors & Get Together Day
'Get Outdoors & Get Together Day' will be held this Saturday, June 8, with events at more than 20 state locations across New York to bring people of all abilities, ages, identities, and backgrounds together for fun, healthy activities. As part of the Governor's initiative to broaden the diversity of users and ensure inclusivity of access to state public lands, DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in partnership with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Veterans' Services, are hosting free events to connect people to nature and provide increased access to the outdoors.
For more information, visit the DEC website at https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-
DEC’s Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion
DEC is committed to accommodate people with disabilities through a variety of programs, including discounts for outdoor recreation, free/reduced fee sporting licenses, permits and accommodations for hunters with disabilities, and Motorized Access Permits for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD) for people with qualifying disabilities. Learn more about Accessible Recreation at DEC’s website. In April, DEC announced the creation of the agency’s first-ever Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights to help build a stronger, more diverse DEC to represent and serve all New Yorkers. The office advises all the agency’s programs and operations and reports to the Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice, and focuses on four main objectives:
- Ensure compliance with Federal and State Civil Rights requirements;
- Expand DEC’s language access offerings both in written documents and public meetings;
- Ensure compliance with ADA in DEC operations and implementation of Executive Order 31 to meet internal accessibility goals; and
- Oversee strategic planning and initiatives for workplace diversity inclusion and belonging.
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