ACCESSIBLE BEACH WALKWAY PROJECT

For those who have ventured to Beach 1 in the Park, you will have noticed a bright blue mat snaking its way along the trail to the beach.  This mat will allow visitors with mobility challenges and families with strollers and wagons to easily navigate their way to the water.

This project is proof that many willing partners can accomplish great things. Originally identified as a priority by Brighton’s Accessibility Advisory Committee; the project received seed funding from the municipality in 2017. However flooding prevented the project from going ahead.  Funding was again approved by the municipality in 2018. It was expected that Ontario Parks would contribute the remaining funds and the Friends would provide volunteer labour. 

Unfortunately, Presqu’ile Park was hit with a funding freeze which limited its ability to complete the project. The Friends of Presqu’ile agreed to cover the remaining costs.  With the support of the John and Bernice Parrott Foundation and an extra contribution from the municipality, we were able to purchase the mats. The Park contributed funds, equipment and labour – a team effort!

Park staff have installed phase one of the mats to test the system. Next spring, the mats will be re-installed out to the water’s edge and an accessible entranceway will be created.  The mats will be rolled up and stored for safekeeping each winter. These mats are made by Wheelchair Friendly Solutions – a local company based in Frankford.

These mats have proven to be very successful in other parks and beaches; now we too can share our beautiful beach with all visitors.