The city of Long Beach is conducting a study on creating a pathway across the sand that is closer to the shoreline. The new path could help those with mobility issues or disabilities to better enjoy a day at the beach.
The walkway would be a 32-inch-wide semi-rigid rollout mat that would extend from the sidewalk areas of Granada Beach ramp well out onto the sand. The American with Disabilities Act-friendly mats are moveable installations that provide a harder surface making it easier for people using wheelchairs and walkers to move along the sand.
City Councilwoman Mary Zendajas, who uses a wheelchair, loves the concept.
“It is something like a red carpet for those of us that use wheelchairs or walkers,” she said.
Councilmember Suzie Price authored the request for a feasibility report.
“It is long overdue and frankly I’m ashamed we didn’t bring it forward sooner,” Price told the Long Beach Post.
Other city officials expressed their desire to make the beach more accessible. “I’ve lived on the beach in Long Beach for 11 years and I’ve never been able to access the beach on my own,” said Kim Vuong, a member of the city’s Advisory Commission on Disabilities, according to the paper.
Even though the walkway won’t extend all the way to the waterline, Zendejas said just getting close to the surf will benefit seniors who use walkers and canes as well as the disabled.
“Being able to actually feel the breeze of the water hitting your face, I think that’s such an incredible feeling,” she said.
The Long Beach City Council should get a report back on the feasibility of expanding the number of mats on the beach within a month.