DiNapoli Calls for Urgent Action to Enhance Accessibility at Long Island State Parks

In a recent audit release, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has drawn attention to the critical need for improvements in accessibility at state parks, with a particular emphasis on Long Island. The audit, which assessed over 250 parks and historic sites across New York, sheds light on substantial barriers faced by people with disabilities and underscores the pressing need for comprehensive change.

"Long Island is home to several beautiful state parks, and making them as accessible as possible is important because all New Yorkers should be able to enjoy them while visiting," emphasized Mary Mueller, spokesperson for New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. Mueller's statement reflects the importance of inclusivity in ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, can experience the natural wonders the state parks offer.

Suffolk County and Long Island parks have taken center stage in the audit's findings. While acknowledging that some progress has been made, the audit underscores that a significant amount of work remains to ensure inclusivity and broad access to these cherished natural spaces. Long Island's parks are pivotal in ensuring that visitors of all abilities can enjoy these sites seamlessly.

The audit by the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (Parks) examined accessibility across the state's park system. While the audit recognizes that the parks generally meet the minimum standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it points out numerous deficiencies that hinder accessibility, particularly on Long Island.

Specifically, the audit reviewed 40 parks and assessed a range of amenities, including restrooms, campsites, swimming areas, playgrounds, pavilions, elevators, boat launches, and parking. Auditors found that 62% of these amenities could be improved to enhance accessibility. These areas of improvement encompass a variety of factors, from rectifying misleading 'accessible' signage to addressing uneven access routes and increasing the number of wheelchair-accessible stalls in restrooms.

Mueller further emphasized the importance of Comptroller DiNapoli's findings, stating, "Comptroller DiNapoli's audit found state parks on Long Island, like many around the state, have areas or amenities that could be improved to make them more accessible for people with disabilities." Notable Long Island parks, such as Caleb Smith State Park in Smithtown and Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, were among the 40 reviewed. These parks could greatly benefit from restroom upgrades, access routes, and parking lots, thereby increasing accessibility and eliminating barriers.

The audit also highlighted specific details about Long Island's state parks. Of the 40 parks examined, four state parks were under review on Long Island, including Bethpage State Park, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, Hempstead Lake State Park, and Jones Beach State Park. Among the 191 amenities reviewed at Long Island state parks, auditors identified a staggering 121 "potential improvement areas." This comprises more than 60% of the audited amenities, as indicated on page 10 of the audit's Table 1.

It is concerning to note that Long Island's state parks received the sixth-worst grade among the 11 regions evaluated statewide. This underlines the need for focused efforts to enhance accessibility in this region.

Comptroller DiNapoli's audit serves as a rallying call for change, particularly in Long Island's state parks. As stakeholders consider the findings and recommendations, focusing on making these treasured spaces genuinely accessible to everyone becomes more imperative than ever. With comprehensive action and cooperation, Suffolk County can pave the way for transformative improvements that make state parks inclusive havens for all visitors, regardless of their physical abilities.

The full audit can be viewed online at https://www.Oscar. state.ny.us/state-agencies/audits.