A Park Above

New Mexico's First Fully-Inclusive Park

Located in Rio Rancho, A Park Above offers something unique in New Mexico's recreational landscape. Since opening its gates in 2015, it's earned the distinction of being the state's first fully-inclusive and universally accessible park - a place where everyone truly belongs.

Spread across 6 acres within Rio Rancho's Cabezon community, this thoughtfully designed space offers something often overlooked but deeply appreciated by parents - it's completely gated. That simple feature means you can relax a bit more if you have little ones who tend to make unexpected sprints toward adventure.

Accessibility Done Right

Going beyond basic ADA compliance, A Park Above was designed to remove barriers - both physical and social - so people of all abilities can play and connect together.

What makes this place special isn't just good intentions but thorough planning. The developers collaborated with community stakeholders and conducted research to create a park that accommodates people across the disability spectrum. Across the grounds, you can find wheelchair-accessible playground equipment, including specially designed swings that accommodate wheelchairs rather than requiring transfer.

Play Spaces for Everyone

The play areas offer an inclusive approach to recreation. Wheelchair-accessible play structures stand alongside sensory-friendly areas designed for children and adults with varying physical and cognitive abilities.

Many kids gravitate toward the musical area, where xylophones, hammers, tubes and other instruments invite impromptu concerts (parents, consider yourselves warned!). Toddlers often make a beeline for the large sandbox area, while a collection of swings, slides, climbing structures, and seesaws round out the play options.

Knowing New Mexico's intense sunshine, designers incorporated shade structures throughout - a detail you'll appreciate during summer visits. When temperatures climb, the splash pad offers a refreshing escape, but the water pressure isn't always as powerful as some might wish.

Where Community Happens

Beyond the play areas, A Park Above functions as a social space where people gather. You'll come across plenty of tables and covered pavilions well-suited for picnics, an amphitheater that hosts occasional events, and thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage interaction among visitors of all abilities.

For the more actively inclined, there's a basketball court, fitness equipment suited for adults, and walking trails that loop around the play areas. Dog owners can bring their four-legged friends to the separate dog park section positioned at one end, safely away from the children's areas.

Good to Know

Clean restroom facilities are available, however you should note they're occasionally closed when staff aren't on-site - an unfortunate response to past vandalism issues. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 10PM.

With its focus on accessibility, A Park Above has become a popular destination for families from Rio Rancho and surrounding communities.