Waterdrinker, North Fork

Description

Checklist

Attraction Type:  kid-friendly, park
Number of accessible spaces:  *
Location of accessible spaces:  **
Surface of lot:  grass, gravel
Distance to venue:  depends on where you park
Transportation to venue offered:  na
Terrain:  This is a farm, somewhat uneven terrain
Places to rest:  benches throughout
Paths and walkways:  some gravel
Location of accessible entrance:  no real entrance, all places are accessible
Doors:  no doors
Number of floors:  outdoors
Elevators:  na
Ramps:  na
Steps and staircases:  na
Width of aisles:  ample space throughout
Places to sit:  benches throughout, picnic tables and benches
Location of restrooms:  near front entrance and in back near sunflower field
Type of restroom:  porta-potties
Ease of entry and exit:  the usual
Baby changing station:  no
Available food services:  farm stand with the usual items
Friendliness of staff:  extremely friendly and helpful
Notes:  *There is one row of parking along the road ** Large parking area on the grass within the farm

Read More

We have been to Waterdrinker Farm in Wading River several times over the years and have always enjoyed it.

On this Sunday morning, we decided to visit Waterdrinker, North Fork, in Riverhead, for the first time. It turned out to be a wonderful choice. 

This venue is smaller than the original.  I found it more intimate and personal.  In general, many of the same things are offered; jump pads, mini -golf, sunflower fields, corn maze, tractor rides, animals, and pedal cars, to name some of the activities available.  A really interesting activity is the equivalent of a ball pit, but filled with corn kernels. The kids really enjoyed jumping in and playing with the kernels!

We were very lucky to be introduced to James, the very gracious manager, who offered to show us around. He clearly has a warm place in his heart for people with disabilities. As we walked around he explained how they keep the grass low to make it easier for people to walk. Although this is still a farm, his efforts to make it as accessible as possible, are admirable.  There are many benches throughout, making it easy for people to stop and rest and still keep an eye on the kids. He explained how the mini-golf was made to be as accessible as possible, and how he has both raised flower beds and low ones to accommodate all. He talked about how he has kept things well- spaced to make navigation easy.  He even showed us how the indoor brewery, (that is almost completed), is being made accessible as well. Most of the activities are low enough to accommodate most. 

When asked about the restroom situation – there are two areas with portable restrooms (one must traverse the grass to get to each them) – one close to the entry area – one towards the sunflower field, James explained that an accessible one was on order (expected to be delivered this coming week). We hope that they will be able to add a second one.

We were so impressed by James’ desire to be as accessible as possible for all.

We are also grateful to him for doing this.

Almost forgot to mention that there is lots of parking, on grass. If you have to park far, you can drop passengers off close to the entrance and then park.

The farm stand has a great variety of home grown items. I found two types of eggplant I had never seen before. They were both delicious!

We loved the special feeling we got from Waterdrinker, North Fork.

With a hearty thank you to James for showing us his love for this venue.

As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to visit a venue’s website, www.water-drinker.com, when planning a visit, to “know more before you go.”

Location

Nearby