A mobility mat to help people using wheelchairs and walkers access Shawnigan Lake and beach has been installed at Old Mill Park.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the Cowichan Wheels Association worked together to install the mat. The Cowichan Wheels Association regularly raises funds to create accessible public space in the Cowichan Valley.
The new Old Mill “Mobi Mat” lets people who use wheelchairs or walkers move across the sand at the beach and get to the water.
“Our valley is an incredible place to live because of our access to so many water sources. Now, because of this project, a family-friendly beach by the lake is accessible to all our citizens and
visitors,” said Laura Stephenson, board secretary for the Cowichan Wheels Association.
The Cowichan Wheels Association throws an annual wheelchair rugby tournament to raise funds for community improvement projects like the Old Mill Mobi Mat. The association also has a local wheelchair rugby team.
Some past projects include funding the lift at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre, wheelchair ramps at Evergreen Independent School, a wheelchair accessible wildlife viewing platform at Somenos Marsh and accessible swings at local parks.
The association also provides annual post-secondary bursaries for individuals living with disabilities.
For more information on Cowichan Wheels visit www.facebook.com/cowichan.wheels.
For more information on Old Mill Park, visit https://www.cvrd.bc.ca/156/Old-Mill-Park.
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