New DC Ballpark Accessible

The Washington Nationals open the 2008 regular season at home Sunday, March 30, and unveil Nationals Park-which was designed with input from the Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans). Nationals Park offers improved wheelchair access and seating options in every section of the ballpark.

"This is a great example of how Paralyzed Veterans helps to improve the lives of all people with disabilities," said Paralyzed Veterans' President Randy L. Pleva, Sr. "Working behind the scenes all across America, we strive not only to influence the design and building communities, but to increase awareness about the need for a barrier-free America."

As soon as it was known that DC was going to get a major league franchise, Paralyzed Veterans contacted team owners about improving wheelchair access to RFK Stadium, where the team played its first three seasons until the new ballpark was completed. Paralyzed Veterans' architects reviewed project drawings to retrofit the 44-year-old facility for accessibility.

Paralyzed Veterans remained involved after team owners decided to build a new facility, working with the stadium architects from initial schematics through to completion. In addition to greater choice and improved seating options for wheelchair users, the design allows for easier access to the concourse and exits.

"Stadiums are complex facilities and many factors affect their design," noted Carol Peredo Lopez, AIA, Paralyzed Veterans' director of Architecture. "Accessibility plays a very important role today in design because it affects not only wheelchair users but also the aging population in America and people with children. When a stadium is fully accessible, it is more user friendly for everyone and the spectator experience is enhanced. We are very proud of our role in making Nationals Park and many other sports venues across the country fully accessible."

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