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…
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