New handicap beach access in Long Beach

There is a new and easier way for those with disabilities to enjoy the beaches in Long Beach. Today, Long Beach cut the ribbon on their wheel way handicap beach access.

Ann Wright and her son Bert have been living in Long Beach for three years now. After moving here from Colorado, Wright tries to get her son outdoors as much as possible. With Friday’s addition of handicap mats along the beach, it’s smoother sailing when it comes to getting to the beach and dipping his toes in the sand. “We’re glad to be a part of the community who is embracing the need for individuals like my son who want to experience everything that the city and the Coast has to offer.”

City leaders say the handicap access is the first of its kind on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Mayor George Bass wanted to give Long Beach citizens with family members who have disabilities the ability to enjoy the beach together. Members of Gulfport’s Junior Auxiliary partnered with the city to make this much needed project happen. Mayor Bass said, “The excitement of seeing the people in the wheelchairs to be able to go down here. The young man who was able to take his chair to the edge of the sand and get out and with assistance walk around in the sand, it makes it well worth it.”

Long Beach challenges every city along the Gulf Coast to jump on this opportunity to make every beach handicap accessible. “It’s not ours, it should be along the whole Coast. I want all of the other cities to do the same thing and make this available to those individuals that before couldn’t get out there and spend time with their families,” said Mayor Bass.

The mats can be rolled up in case of bad weather and there are also spots with shade. After the ribbon cutting, those with disabilities were the first to try out the mats. The expression of pure joy on their faces shows they’re already having just as much fun soaking up the sun as those who have had easy access to these beaches in the past.