Accessibility and Recreation

Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services is committed to providing parks, trails and recreational facilities for people of all abilities. We’re dedicated to meeting the standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and providing even more inclusive programs and services whenever possible, to meet the needs of our community.

The ADA and PRCS Transition Plan

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 provides civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities and ensures equal access to all programs, services and activities.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Transition Plan was created to identify current barriers to access and potential opportunities for upgrading facilities. From 2005 through 2009, staff worked to survey all parks and trails to identify all of the current barriers. The plan was updated most recently in early 2012.

Accessibility barriers at our facilities and within our programs are included in the PRCS ADA Transition Plan. Department’s Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan. This plan also includes estimated time frames for completion and estimated costs for the accessibility improvements it identifies.

Recreation

The City of Vancouver’s Access to Recreation program provides disability-specific classes, camps and programs for people with all different disabilities. Any recreation program can be made more inclusive by requesting inclusion services.

Parks, Trails and Open Spaces

Vancouver Parks and Recreation currently oversees over 450 acres of parks, trails, sports fields and open space. Some of these areas are meant to preserve the natural topography and character of the specific properties, and will not comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. However, the department continually strives to provide a diverse experience for all users. From the downtown urban park experience at Esther Short Park to the tranquil open space at Beaver Marsh, we are identifying how to best serve citizens of all abilities.

Accessibility at the City of Vancouver

To learn more about how the City of Vancouver is becoming more accessible and inclusive and for more on how to register a concern or file a complaint about inaccessibility at the City, please visit the City’s Accessibility webpage. 

You may also contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at ADACoordinator@cityofvancouver.us.