"After my heart surgery, Hudson Crossing Park became a place where I could safely get outside again. The seating along the trails gave me the confidence to walk without worrying about how far I could go or where I could rest." -Eric
At Hudson Crossing Park, we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. We strive to serve everyone who comes to the park, regardless of their abilities. Our goal is to ensure that every guest can fully enjoy the beauty and activities our park has to offer.
We are on our Inclusion Journey! Hudson Crossing Park is participating in the NYOA/NYS Canal Corporation’s Accessibility Education Program, and, as such, we are contracted with Rochester Accessible Adventures as Inclusion Partners.
Hudson Crossing Park’s staff have already:
Completed Inclusion Ambassador Training, which includes ways to deliver more inclusive services and principles like person first language.
Become Certified Inclusion Accessors, with in-depth training on implementing accessibility and inclusion best practices.
Assessed out property, programs, and operations and begun implementing a new, more inclusive approach.
We look forward to working with you as we continue to learn and implement enhancements which make our organization more inclusive! We are interested in understanding how we can enhance your successful participation in our programs, events, and facilities, and are dedicated to continuously working to ensure that Hudson Crossing Park is accessible to all.
Inclusion Point of Contact
If you have specific accessibility needs, please let us know how we can assist you by reaching out to our Inclusion Point of Contact, Wendy DeLaCruz. She acts as the “go-to” person for anyone seeking support, information on inclusive practices, or assistance in ensuring that every visitor feels welcome and supported at Hudson Crossing Park.
For information on our current accessibility features, please review the details below. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about accessibility at Hudson Crossing Park, don’t hesitate to contact Wendy at wdelacruz@hudsoncrossingpark.org.
Inclusion Ambassador Star Challenge
Have you seen the HCP Inclusion Stars on the Hudson Crossing Park barn? Each star represents someone who has taken the initiative to learn about inclusion. Hudson Crossing Park’s staff have already completed Inclusion Ambassador Training, and the impact has been remarkable—building awareness, strengthening community connections, and encouraging thoughtful use of person-first language. This training has proven to be valuable not just for staff, but for the entire community.
The Inclusion Ambassador Training (IAT), offered through Cortland College’s Inclusive Recreation Resource Center, is a free, three-hour, online course designed for learners from 5th grade through adults. Whether you are an individual eager to learn, or part of a scout troop, club, or business, the invitation is open: take the challenge and become an Inclusion Ambassador.
To register, email info@hudsoncrossingpark.org to receive the training link.
Take the challenge: complete the training, become an Inclusion Ambassador, and add your star to the wreath—shining a little more light on inclusion in the community.
Accessible Features & Policies
Adaptive Kayak Launch Features
Hudson Crossing Park’s adaptive kayak launch is designed to make getting on the water easier, safer, and more comfortable for people of all abilities. The launch includes a stable transfer platform to assist with entering and exiting a kayak. Its gradual design allows for smooth transitions from land to water, while the floating dock system adjusts to changing water levels to maintain consistent access. The calm canal waters and protected location further support a steady, low-stress paddling experience for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Getting to the Adaptive Kayak Launch
The accessible kayak launch is located on the canal side of Lock C5 Island at Hudson Crossing Park. For wheelchair or limited mobility access, please park at the Champlain Canal Lock 5 parking lot and follow the flat, packed-dirt trail to the paved path leading down to the floating dock.
If you need assistance or would like to make alternate arrangements, please contact our Inclusion Point of Contact at wdelacruz@hudsoncrossingpark.org.
Sensory Trail
This beautiful trail, which parallels the Hudson River, was built in 2013 to be accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. Refurbished in 2024 thanks to grant funding from Hudson River Valley Greenway and Saratoga County Trails, the trail is wheelchair accessible and features wooden planks on either side of each turn-off, signaling to visitors with visual impairments that there is a change in the path. Throughout the trail, bronze sculptures of birds are placed near areas where their real counterparts can be heard, allowing everyone to visualize what they are hearing through touch.
Interpretive Signs
Along the park trails, you'll find many interpretive signs that tell the stories of the many people who have enjoyed Hudson Crossing Park throughout history. Each sign features a QR code that you can scan to listen to or read these captivating tales. You can access them now, through the buttons below.
Wheelchair Accessible Picnic Tables
Our picnic pavilion features several wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, designed to provide comfortable and convenient seating for everyone to enjoy. An easy-to-navigate gravel path leads from the parking lot to the pavilion, which is level with the path for seamless accessibility.
Accessible Raised Garden Beds
Thanks to a generous grant from the Christopher Dailey Foundation, our raised garden beds were designed to welcome everyone. Built at a height that accommodates wheelchairs and those with limited mobility, and set on level ground next to the pavilion, they invite everyone to dig into the soil, plant, or even build fairy houses while enjoying the simple joys of gardening.
Accessible Porta Potty
Located just to the side of the parking lot, our porta potty is wheelchair accessible. It is equipped with large self-closing doors, flat floors for easy access, and stainless steel grab handles.
Adaptive Sled
Our adaptive sled is available for those with mobility challenges to use in the winter months. It can be used during any of our On the Canals excursions by requesting it on the registration form.
*The sled has a 220 lb weight capacity, and the seat is 20 in wide.* We provide blankets to keep the rider warm. For more information or questions about the adaptive sled, please contact wdelacruz@hudsoncrossingpark.org
Adaptive kayaks
Hudson Crossing Park offers adaptive kayaks for summer On the Canals excursions. They provide added stability and support, including an adjustable tandem supportive seat, outriggers, and a paddle pedestal.
For more information or questions about the adaptive kayaks, please contact wdelacruz@hudsoncrossingpark.org
Service and Support Animals
Hudson Crossing Park welcomes certified working service animals as well as Emotional Support animals to our facilities and ask that they remain they are leashed, well behaved, and under the control of their owner. We ask that their owner clean up after them and dispose of their waste in one of the park’s animal waste containers located along the trails or take it home with them for proper disposal.
Care Attendants
Care attendants are welcome as necessary and are not charged any program or events fees that may be in place. While they are at Hudson Crossing Park to support the participant, not to participate themselves, the attendant must adhere to safety guidelines as directed by staff.