Address
229-10 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, NY 11362
Phone Number
(718) 229 - 4000
Date Visited
08-13-24
Website
Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC)
Description
The Alley Pond Environmental Center is located at 229-10 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston. The paved, parking lot has four accessible spaces close to the ramp to the double door entrance.The one level building has smooth concrete floors. Multi-stall restrooms, with a large, accessible stall and baby-changing station.
The outside walking paths can be accessed from the back of the building. From here part of the walks have wooden walkways, parts do not. One can get to the observation deck at the tidal creek (about 2/10 of a mile) all along the wooden walkway. Call (718) 229 – 4000 for more information.
- Attraction Type: parks
Number of accessible spaces: 4
Location of accessible spaces: close to ramp to main entrance
Surface of lot: paved
Distance to venue: very close
Transportation to venue offered: na
Terrain: flat
Places to rest: four benches near Windmill Pond
Paths and walkways: a combination of wooden walkways and wood-chip, grass paths
Location of accessible entrance: main entrance
Doors: double doors
Number of floors: 1
Elevators: no
Ramps: no
Steps and staircases: none in building, one step if going from wooden walkway to Meadow area
Width of aisles: wooden walkway is wide
Places to sit: benches near Windmill Pong
Location of restrooms: in hallway in building
Type of restroom: multi-stall, with large, accessible stall
Ease of entry and exit: easy
Baby changing station: yes
Available food services: none in this building
Friendliness of staff: very friendly and helpful
Notes: Weekday hours are 9:00 - 4:00 pm. If coming during the week, best to go in the afternoon - school groups in the morning.Weekend hours vary - call for info.
For over 50 years, the Alley Pond Environmental Center’s mission has been to “educate children and adults in the NY Metro Area, protect and preserve Alley Pond Park and advocate for sustainable environmental policies and practices.” (website) This venue is a gem for families and environmental lovers. It is a wonderful place for everyone!
Located on Northern Boulevard, just east of the Cross Island Parkway, it is quite easy to get to by car. The paved parking lot has four accessible spaces close to the ramp to the double door, main entrance.
We had not been here since the new center opened earlier this year. The new building is quite a change from the earlier one, all of it great! The building is easily accessible. The large lobby has a staff desk, manned by people who are gracious and well-informed to answer your questions. Unfortunately, there is no seating in the lobby at this time.
The “Animal Ambassador Room” with over 80 mammals, reptiles, birds, insect, arachnids and more, is amazing. Staff are there to introduce you to the residents, and will take them out of their habitat for you to meet “up close and personal.” The building has other education rooms, where there are lots of activities (check the website, http://www.alleypond.org">www.alleypond.org for details).
Besides the wonderful, new building, there are trails that you can access from the building, Go out the back door to the lovely porch (no seating) and you can find your way to the trails. The only option that is completely accessible (by wooden walkway) if the 2/10 mile walk to the observation deck at the tidal area, a part of Long Island Sound. From here you may see herons plovers, egrets, swallows or even large turtles. The only bench on the walkway is located here. From here you can walk back on the boardwalk, or continue through trails that are part wooden walkway and part wood chips, grass, etc. This longer way around, takes you through the Meadow, Forest and on to Windmill Pond. If you make it around to Windmill Pond, you will find four benches overlooking that pond. There are also some picnic tables and benches.
The Center has many programs for both children and adults. A staff member said that if you are coming during the week it is probably best to do so in the afternoon, because there are usually school groups in the morning. Weekend hours may vary, so it is best to call (718) 229-4000 for more information.
Multi-stall restrooms, with large, accessible stalls, sinks and baby-changing stations are located in the hallway.
As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to check a venue’s website, www.alleypond.org, when planning a visit, to “know more before you go,”
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