Published pricing
Large all-accessible waterfront playground on Pope's Island with full ramps, inclusive motion play, accessible swings, sensory play, and marine-themed features.
Needs recheckFixed locationAll-abilities parks
Buttonwood Park Playground
Buttonwood Park, New Bedford, MA
Accessible New Bedford playground beside the zoo with wide ramps, roomy elevated surfaces, and a larger park setting that works well for varied ages.
Quick facts
Price
Free public playground.
Parking
Parking available
Profile
Strong profile coverage
Needs recheck
Public-source evidence needs review. Confirm time-sensitive details using the business links above.
Editorial Review
Why included
Inclusive Play Atlas includes this accessible playground because it has enough public information to compare fit, logistics, and source context.
What we verified
- address
- wide ramps
- wheelchair turning space
- accessible alternatives
What remains unknown
- Current operating hours or season
Profile updated August 3, 2026; source check April 11, 2026. Confirm current park hours, construction closures, restroom availability, and the specific accessibility features your family needs before making a special trip.
Plan This Visit
Price
Free public playground.
Parking
Parking available
Profile
Strong profile coverage
Atlas Perspective
Editor's Take
A good middle-ground option: documented wheelchair-friendly design in a classic city park that also gives you the zoo and pond nearby.
At a Glance
Venue type
All-abilities park
Age groups
ToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages
Mobility features
Ramped accessGround-level playWide pathways
Family amenities
Parking
Surface type
Mixed surfaces
Shade level
Mixed shade
Accessibility supports
Accessible routesSmooth paths
Park context
Part of a larger park
Operator type
Municipal
Visit options
Free entryParking on site
Toddler-friendly
Yes
Verified only
Yes
Plan Your Visit
ParkingAvailable within the larger park area.
WeatherOutdoor park with typical weather exposure.
Visit StyleWorks as either a stand-alone park visit or part of a larger Buttonwood outing.
Adjacent Attractions
Buttonwood Park ZooPond area
Pricing Snapshot
SummaryFree public playground.
Buttonwood Park Playground is a long-running accessible playground in New Bedford set within one of the city's signature parks. The Massachusetts all-inclusive playground guide specifically notes wide ramps and elevated surfaces spacious enough for wheelchair turning, along with alternate ways to move through areas that are not fully accessible. Families also get the broader benefits of Buttonwood Park, including pond views and the zoo next door, which can make this a fuller outing than a standard neighborhood stop. It is a practical choice for families who want a public playground with documented access features but without the scale of a major destination build.
Accessibility & Comfort
These details reflect published sources and dated reports, not an ADA inspection. Confirm the specific supports and barriers that matter for your visit.
SummaryThe Massachusetts inclusive playground guide specifically includes Buttonwood Park Playground as accessible.
Considerations
Not every area is described as fully accessible in the guide.Publicly available current specs are lighter than for newer showcase builds.
Mobility Access
Wide rampsSpacious elevated surfaces for wheelchair turningAlternative routes through less accessible sections
Accessible routesSmooth paths
Gallery
External Links
Nearby Alternatives
Use these nearby profiles to contrast fit, coverage, and planning details around New Bedford and the wider South Coast area.
Dartmouth Community Park
Dartmouth, MA
Published pricing
Public Dartmouth park with the town's first fully ADA-accessible playground, plus picnic seating, open field space, and a paved walking loop.
Everybody's Playground
Fairhaven, MA
Published pricing
Accessible Fairhaven playground at Leroy L. Wood School with even foam-and-tar surfacing, a lower-level boat play area, and a track looping the structure.
Kennedy Park Inclusion Playground
Fall River, MA
Published pricing
Inclusive playground within Kennedy Park in Fall River, offering a larger park setting and a well-known all-abilities play destination for local families.
Contact Information
Address
425 Hawthorn St
New Bedford, MA, 02740
Source & Verification
Last updated
August 3, 2026
Verification summary
Last source review: April 11, 2026
Checked against 2 public sources.
This profile summarizes published information and dated reports. It is not an ADA inspection or an individualized accessibility assessment.
Reviewed as
Municipal source review
What Changed
April 11, 2026
Created listing from state accessibility guide and city parks materials.
Keep Exploring This Area
Use these links to continue into the strongest nearby browse pages and local alternatives.