Accessibility and the ADA
Access matters. Everyone deserves access to recreation with dignity, regardless of ability.
Columbus Recreation and Parks is committed to making our parks, programs and facilities welcoming and accessible to all.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that helps ensure people with disabilities have equal access to public spaces, programs and services.
What We’re Doing
Columbus Recreation and Parks is completing an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan to identify barriers to access and plan improvements over time.
This work helps us:
- Identify physical, program and communication barriers
- Prioritize improvements based on public use
- Track progress as upgrades are completed
The Transition Plan is updated as improvements are made.
Our Progress
Phase I: Completed
Phase I reviewed 29 high-use parks, primarily those with community centers. The review included buildings, parking areas, sidewalks, ramps, crossings and park amenities.
Improvements based on this phase are already underway and address common barriers, including parking access, paths of travel, doors, restrooms and service counters.
Read the Phase I ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan.
Phase II: In Progress
Phase II evaluated 34 additional parks in 2025. Findings are being entered into our system to help prioritize future improvements.
More Than Physical Spaces
Accessibility goes beyond buildings. It includes how people access information and programs. We are also working to improve access to:
- Website and social media content
- Park signage
- Program registration and customer service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)ensures people with disabilities have equal access to public spaces, programs and services.
Why is this being done in phases?
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department manages many parks and facilities. Phasing allows us to focus first on the most-used locations while making steady progress citywide.
How can I report an accessibility concern?
Contact Columbus Recreation and Parks at ColumbusRecParks@columbus.gov or 614-645-3337.