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1st & ONLY Game at Nats Park
May 4, 2008 | 11:19 AM PST
Category:
Sports
I am writing this blog to warn all handicapped & elderly Nats fans to be aware of the perils you may encounter trying to get to the ball park. My family which consisted of myself(56 year old female with spinal issues, my 62 year husband Don(who was diagnosed with a inguinal hernia in the emergency room after the game) & my brother John(50 years old with Alzhiemers Disease & Downs Syndrome). We were concerned with the transportation issues, but after checking out the Nats web page their suggestion of the bus from RFK to the stadium seemed ideal!W hen we arrived at RFK we were assured by the attendant that walking would not be difficult(I can only walk maybe 2 blocks before my back starts acting up & my left leg will start to numb).The attendant assured my husband a "cart " would be at the bus drop off to transport those who required help, so we were very happy & believed this to be the best way for us to get to the park.Boy, that was the WORST decision we have made in a long time. When we arrived at the bus drop off (3rd & M) there were no carts to be seen, my husband & I inquired about these carts & their reply was,"I don't think they are running today." We looked up & down M Street but there was not a cab in sight! So we had no choice but to walk. If you've ever had back issues you can understand the problem walking can be-along our route there was only ONE bench where I could rest. It was so bad I was in tears by the time we reached the final block-never did we see a cab. I would have paid any amount of money just for the final 2 block ride.Finally we reached the main gate, I was sill in tears & wanted only to find our seat, hit the restroom & watch the game. I was so looking forward to trying "Ben's Chili Bowl", "Boardwalk Fries" & "Gifford's Ice Cream" but I was so worried about how we were going to get our car at RFK,that I stayed in my seat so my back would be "rested" for the long trip home! I spent a grand total of $4.50 to buy my brother a Coke, & only did that because they bought the drinks to our seat! Needless to say the return trip was just as bad--after complaining to Customer Service she assured me I would be able to find a cab once we reached M Street. That was our plan-hail a cab for the 4 blocks to the bus pick-up. Well, 2 cabs finally came by but none would stop. After walking another 2 blocks a police officer was directing traffic& I asked him if I could sit on the curb for a few minutes as we could not get a cab. Thank heavens for the DC Police Dept, the officer actually stopped all traffic & had a cab pick us up& drive us the final 1&1/2 blocks to the bus drop off. I paid the cabbie $5.00, but if I had noticed how long the line for the bus was I would have had him take us to RFK, no matter how much it cost. After getting out of the cab the line for the bus was 1 & 1/2 blocks long - I was ready to cry again. My poor husband stood in the street for at least 15 mins trying to get another cab, but to no avail After about 30 minutes we were loaded into one of the last buses, and praise the lord we finally reached RFK! It is shameful that the great city of Washington DC has a sports team with so little concern for its elderly & handicapped fans. In seems that in Wash., DC you MUST be wealthy, young & healthy to attend the great American game of baseball. One thing I know for sure my family will NOT be going to Nationals Park anytime soon.
