A recently-installed mat is making it easier for people with accessibility issues to soak up some sunshine and enjoy Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach.
The City of Nanaimo says the seasonally installed, non-slip walkway called “Mobi Mat” can be found near the Kin Hut Activity Centre and helps those with wheels, including wheelchairs, strollers, wagons, and kayak trailers, access the beach area.
The mat, made from recycled materials, was rolled out by crews from the city’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department and will be left at the beach for the remainder of the summer season, according to a news release Wednesday.
“The installation of the Mobi-Mat at Departure Bay Beach is another example of how the City of Nanaimo is working to make accessibility improvements,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog.
The city says mat installation follows its 2019-2022 Strategic Plan to create a more livable, inclusive community where all residents have access to recreation. If the mat is deemed useful, others may be purchased and installed at other local parks in the future.
Mobi Mat (City of Nanaimo)
For residents and visitors of the South Island, an accessibility mat supporting wheelchair access to the rocky beach at Victoria’s Ross Bay was reintroduced back in June.
The City of Victoria says the mat, first installed in 2021 as part of upgraded amenities and infrastructure at Dallas Road and Memorial Crescent, will remain in place until late September.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said removing barriers and adding more inclusive public amenities “go a long way” to creating recreation spaces where everyone can experience the simple joys of life.
🌞The seasonal beach mat is back at Ross Bay to support wheelchair access to the rocky beach. The mat was first introduced last year as part of upgraded amenities and infrastructure at Dallas Road and Memorial Crescent. The mat will remain in place until the end of September. pic.twitter.com/Si3aYlutFG
— City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) June 10, 2022
Ethan Morneau
