Rolling Through Retail: Accessibility at NorthPark Center

Shopping centers are often designed with aesthetics and retail convenience in mind—but how often do they really consider accessibility? On a recent trip to NorthPark Center in Dallas, I had the opportunity to see firsthand just how well this popular mall accommodates wheelchair users. The experience was mostly positive, but there are a few quirks worth pointing out for fellow wheelchair users or anyone curious about what real accessibility looks like in practice.

Big, Spacious, and Mostly Smooth

One of the best parts about NorthPark Center is its spacious layout. The wide walkways made it easy to navigate around other shoppers without feeling cramped or stressed. Whether I was browsing the stores or just passing through, there was always enough room to move comfortably.

I also appreciated the abundance of ramps and elevators throughout the mall. This made getting between floors and various sections of the center pretty straightforward. In terms of navigation, NorthPark does a solid job—there are plenty of signs to help guide you to where you need to go.

The Not-So-Straight Shortcut

That said, there were a few areas where accessibility felt more like an afterthought. For example, the shortcut across the mall that most people use to get from one side to the other is a straight shot inside. Unfortunately, that’s not an option for wheelchair users like me. Instead, I had to go behind the building—a much longer and less convenient route—just to reach the same destination. It was a bit frustrating knowing that everyone else could just take a direct path while I had to detour outside.

Doorway Dilemmas

Another minor—but noticeable—issue is the lack of automatic doors. For a mall that does so well with space and signage, it's surprising that more entrances aren’t equipped with push-button or motion-activated doors. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference for someone who can’t easily open heavy doors.

Final Thoughts

Despite a few hiccups, NorthPark Center is overall a great mall for wheelchair users. The spacious interior, helpful signage, and plenty of ramps and elevators make it one of the more accessible shopping centers I’ve visited. While I’d love to see improvements with automatic doors and more direct routing options, the overall experience was very positive.

🟢 4 out of 5 rating. 

NorthPark Center rolls in strong on accessibility—with just a few areas that could use some thoughtful upgrades.