For the first time, beaches in Huntington will have added accessibility via mats designed to allow for smooth wheelchair access.
In July, the Huntington Town Board unanimously approved a resolution to purchase the matts to enhance sand and water accessibility at various beaches throughout the township. Funding for the mats was reported to come from Environmental Open Space and Park Improvement (EOSPA) funds and the Community Development Agency (CDA).
Beaches that will receive the mats by the 2021 season include Asharoken Beach, Fleets Cove Beach, Gold Star Battalion Beach, Quentin Sammis West Neck Beach, Crab Meadow Beach, Centerport Beach, and Hobart Beach.
The inaugural roll-out of the first sand-accessible wheelchair mats happened at Crab Meadow Beach on Thursday, August 27.
“It was a proud moment to see these new mobile mats rolled out for the first time ever at Crab Meadow Beach, bringing much-needed accessibility to the sands and waters of Huntington's shores,” said Town Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci.
A Centerport resident, Dylan Thompson played an integral role in getting the technology to the beaches, according to Lupinacci. He suggested Huntington Town provide the Mobi-Mats at its beaches in June.
Photo (l-r): Councilman Mark Cuthbertson; Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci; Councilwoman Joan Cergol follow Dylan Thompson on the Mobi Mat at Crab Meadow Beach. Town of Huntington.
“We are so grateful for his advocacy,” Lupinacci said.
Thompson, who was at the event said he was happy to see the mats finally be available.
“These mats are really going to help a lot of people, not just disabled beachgoers like myself,” Thompson said. “That really makes me feel lucky to have been able to help so many people.”
