Mobility mats and chairs make Wellington beach more accessible

At the ribbon cutting opening, from left, are: Ken Robertson, past president of Wellington Rotary, Irene Harris, chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Wade Watts and Corey Engelsdorfer, councillor for Wellington.

More people are now able to enjoy the Wellington Rotary Beach shore and water because of new accessibility equipment.

A beach mat, also known as a Mobi-Mat, is now in place at the beach, making it easier for people using wheelchairs, families with strollers, and others, to move across the sand and access the water. In addition, two floating beach wheelchairs, Mobi-Chairs, will be available for people who require them.

Wade Watts, of Watts Accessibility Consulting, helped the Wellington Rotary Club with estimates for preliminary design and Corona Canada’s Accessing Paradise Pledge, a corporate commitment to improve beach access across the nation.

Wade Watts rolls Mark Armstrong in a new Mobi-Chair, along the new Mobi-Mat at Wellington Beach.

“As part of the one-third of Canadians that suffer from mobility issues, I know first-hand how limiting and isolating it can be when outdoor public places are not accessible,” said Watts. “When Corona connected with me to better understand the barriers people with mobility challenges face and how to improve their beach experience, I was keen to share my insights. Thanks to Corona’s Accessing Paradise Pledge, Canadians with mobility limitations will be able to enjoy sunsets on more beaches this summer and I am excited to be one of them.”

Ken Robertson, past-president of the Wellington Rotary Club, said “our members are incredibly proud to take the lead on this project, which aligns with the Rotary Club’s desire to further diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Rotary fundraised and garnered financial support from other clubs and a district grant to raise $10,000 of the estimated $52,000 cost, which includes $42,000 from Corona. The County provided staff to grade the site, assist with installation and storage. With the funds from Corona, the project was expanded to increase the size and design, as well as to include two Mobi-Chairs and a storage shed.

Rotarians also worked with council, municipal staff and the accessibility advisory committee to develop the plan and design of the project.

“The Wellington Rotary Beach is truly a gem in our town. These improvements will help even more people cool off this summer and enjoy the majestic sunsets,” said Corey Engelsdorfer, councillor for Wellington.

Watts states Canada has the longest coastline in the world with more than 2,500 known public beaches, but less than 15 per cent are accessible.

“Corona’s Accessing Paradise Pledge sets out to address this whitespace.”

Wellington’s is the first of up to six beaches to become accessible. The company is asking Canadians to nominate the remaining four beaches at Coronaextra.ca/accessingparadise

There are similar mats at Sandbanks, North Beach, and Cobourg.