Hello everyone! 
Today, I wanted to share my experience with a new place I discovered two days ago on Google Maps, which I think is a perfect addition to the accessibility series I started a few months ago here on Connect 
. The place´s name is Ocean Acres Lake Park, and it’s located in Stafford Township, NJ 
. We had just finished lunch, and I wanted my daughters to burn off some energy, so I looked for a nearby park on Google Maps. I found this option with 189 reviews and a 4.7-star rating—not bad, I thought.
When we arrived, we immediately realized this was a park that was a bit out of the ordinary. It was immaculate, super well-maintained, with ample parking and designated accessible spots 
. Both entrances also have ramps, making them easy to use with a walker or wheelchair 
. There’s a picnic area with several grills 
, and seating is strategically placed throughout the park, some of it well-separated with fabulous views of the lake 
. These benches serve a purpose that, in my opinion, addresses emotional accessibility, as they provide spaces for disconnection, reflection, or simply a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Similarly, this park has a very well-implemented playground, which also includes an interesting accessible feature: the Core Communication Board. As I mentioned in my review on Google Maps, it’s “ideal for helping people with limited verbal skills 
and a way to reduce the barrier to social interaction among children and thus fosters an inclusive playground 
.” This is the first park I’ve visited with this feature, which I believe promotes another concept we discussed at the last virtual accessibility meetup: psychological accessibility. Reunión Virtual: ¡Explorando la Accesibilidad Emocional y Psicológica en Google Maps!
To complement all of this, the park also has tennis and basketball courts 
, a path for jogging and running, a dog walking area 
, and access to the lakeshore for fishing 
. Our experience was undoubtedly wonderful. I saw nature, feeling the breeze and watching my kids play while enjoying the view of the lake. We feel very fortunate to have been able to visit this place, which we will certainly visit many more times, among many reasons because it feels like accessibility is not just an accessory but a core part of its philosophy. 
See you very soon, and don’t forget… #letsguide! 
What hidden gems have you discovered on Google Maps that you think are models of accessibility?
