For many people, a trip to the coast is all about relaxation – sand between the toes, the sound of the crashing waves, the smell of saltwater.
But for a person who uses a wheelchair, an elderly person or someone with an illness or disability who has trouble walking, trying to enjoy the coast can be an arduous outing filled with frustration.
Orange County Coastkeeper and the California State Coastal Conservancy are hoping to change that with the launch of the Beach and Coast Accessibility Program, a new statewide initiative aimed at enhancing access to California’s coastline.
The program tasks Orange County Coastkeeper with handing out $250,000 in conservancy funds – grants ranging from $1,000 to up to $30,000 – to nonprofit organizations, public entities and indigenous groups up and down the state, money they can use to acquire accessibility equipment such as beach wheelchairs, walkers, mats, and other devices.
“We see this program as a catalyst for positive change, promoting not only access, but also community engagement and education about the importance of inclusivity in outdoor activities,” Garry Brown, president and founder of Orange County Coastkeeper, said in announcing the new program.
By funding the purchase, repair and promotion of specialty equipment, the program looks to make coastal recreation inclusive and enjoyable at no cost to the individual, officials said.
Some cities have already made strides in improving access, making available beach wheelchairs using large wheels that can traverse the sand and installing permanent and temporary pathways aimed at helping people in wheelchairs or who have challenges walking get close to the shoreline.
Several heavy duty mats made of thick mesh have been placed on top of the sand at South Bay beaches in recent years, as well as in Huntington Beach, to improve accessibility. Other beaches such as in Seal Beach and at coastal State Parks have beach pathways in place.
Rocky McKinnon runs an adaptive surf program through the city of Huntington Beach and regularly uses the Mobi-mat put in place on the north side of the pier two years ago.
“The Mobi-mat is not only utilized by special needs, I see families using it with their wagons and carrying their stuff, it’s easier to traverse,” McKinnon said. “Not only does it help a certain segment of the population – it helps them traverse – but also helps the community at large. It helps them get across the sand.”
Coastkeeper and the California State Coastal Conservancy will soon invite applications from eligible organizations statewide for consideration. The grants will not only cover an initial purchase, but will also ensure that the equipment remains in good repair for a minimum of five years or help with storage needs.
Jacob Pacheco, a surfer who lives in Long Beach, knows the struggles of getting across the sand. Born with cerebral palsy, every step he takes feels like he’s walking in wet sand, he described.
But it’s more than just mats and specialty wheelchairs that makes a beach trip possible for the disabled community. There needs to be enough handicap parking spots, he said, and asphalt that isn’t degraded.
He’s glad to hear more attention and money is being allocated to better access.
“It think it’s something super critical in the state of California,” he said. “We have some of the largest coastline in the country, so it behooves us to make sure access to nature is the top of our list for our community – for the entire community.”
The important roll nature plays in mental health should make access “one of the more important priorities,” he said. “It’s a step in the right direction. It shows they are trying to do something about it.”
The grants will not be limited to agencies on the coast; groups that aim at taking people to the beach from inland can apply as well, said Coastkeeper spokesperson Matt Sylvester.
“This is to get us going and get the equipment out there, we’re hoping more funding will come on line,” he said.
While the big beach wheelchairs with balloon tires are good to have available, they can also be difficult to navigate on the soft sand, requiring assistance from other people. Motorized wheelchairs, for example, could better traverse soft sand. The grants should help get more options in place.
“They can get the equipment, have a moment to themselves at the beach, which I think is really powerful. We all love those moments when we are alone, at the beach,” Sylvester said. “It’s nice to have that option for people who are mobility challenged.”
The two involved agencies will monitor and document equipment usage, ensuring that the accessibility devices are reaching those in need, officials said.
Equipment could range from roll-out walkways, specially engineered kayak paddles for ease of use and other solutions for access to beaches and the coast.
The program will be available for coastal areas statewide, including along the San Francisco Bay shoreline.
Source: Orange County Register
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