Address
240 Haypath Drive, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
Phone Number
(516) 797-4128 (parks)
Date Visited
06/18/2016
Website
Haypath Inclusive Playground
Description
Haypath Inclusive Playgroun is located 240 Haypath Drive in Old Bethpage. Three handicapped spaces (one van-accessible) are located close to the concrete incline to the playground. As of now the playground is covered with wood chips.There is lots or space around the activities. There are two benches in the playground itself and others in the park area. The playground was designed to be "fully usable...to children with a wide spectrum of abilities." Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia) The equipment is covered with vinyl.
Climbing and slide equipment is here as well. Accessible swings and rubber matting have not yet been installed. There is a picnic area with tables and benches next to the community building.
A single-occupancy, handicapped-accessible restroom is located in the community building (entrance on the outside of the building).
- Surface of lot: paved
Distance to venue: close
Terrain: hill to playground
Places to rest: benches
Paths and walkways: paved
Places to sit: *2 benches in playground
Location of restrooms: in community building
Type of restroom: singe-occupancy, handicapped-accessible
Ease of entry and exit: OK
Baby changing station: yes
Available food services: none
Notes: * There are benches in the park area and picnic tables and benches just outside the community building.
An article in Newday caught my attention. Entitled, “A Place to Play,” it told of a new, “inclusive playground in Od Bethpage that lets kids with disabilities play with friends.” (Newday, 6/14/16). Needless to say, I needed to see it. I enlisted my husband, and off we went.
We found the sign to Haypath Park, drove through the lower parking area, up to spaces very close to the playground. Three handicapped spaces ( one van-accessible) are located right near the concrete incline leading to the Playground.
How lovely! Apparently the original playground has been retrofitted to include activities that are all sensory based (push buttons, drums, piano keys, chimes, wheels to turn, making rain fall, and several other activities) designed to be “fully usable and exciting to children with a wide spectrum of abilities…It was designed so that all children could be able to play side by side with one another in a sensory rich and socially inclusive environment” Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia) Everything is low so that wheelchair users can easily reach each activity.
The original climbing and slide equipment is still in the park. The swings have been removed and will be replaced with “accessible ones,” according to the park worker we met. At the moment wood chips cover the ground. He told us that rubber matting will be covering the wood chips to make it more accessible for wheelchairs. We also learned that the equipment is covered in vinyl for a softer feel.
Two benches are located in the playground itself. There are several other benches in the park area, as well as a nice picnic area with tables and benches next to the community building. This is where the single-occupancy, handicapped-accessible restroom is located. Unfortunately, it does not have a baby-changing station.
Since we were here early, there were only two children using the new equipment. They seemed to love it, especially the drums and chimes. We will check back to see when the swings and matting arrive.
This is a wonderful place that needs to be integrated into more locations. “This playground is the first of its kind in Oyster Bay and one of the only ones on Long Island.” (Rebecca Alesia). It was made possible by The Junior League of Long Island.
As always, we at Destination Accessible advise you to check a venue’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”
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