Long Beach Celebrates Increased Inclusivity and Accessibility on City Beaches with New Access Mats

PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is celebrating the installation of its first-ever beach access mats, making it possible for people of all abilities to more easily access Alamitos, Mother's and Granada beaches this summer. The public is invited to an unveiling of the new, wheel-friendly beach infrastructure at Granada Beach at 2 p.m. on July 15, 2022, taking place on the sand near Ocean Boulevard and Granada Avenue (public parking available at Granada Beach Parking lot at 5098 E. Ocean Blvd.).

"Part of what makes Long Beach such an amazing place to live are our beaches and we're striving to make them accessible and enjoyable for everyone," said Mayor Robert Garcia. "This is going to dramatically improve access to our coastline for so many people."

The durable, anchored ground coverings by AccessMat® are made of 100% recycled material. The non-slip synthetic rubber is designed to support wheeled pedestrian assistance vehicles such as wheelchairs, beach access chairs, walkers and strollers, and it also can withstand the weight of utility vehicle traffic. The mats are ADA-compliant.

The installation of the beach access mats was brought to the Long Beach City Council last summer by Third District Councilwoman Suzie Price and was cosponsored by Councilwoman Zendejas and Councilwoman Allen and approved by City Council.

"The beach access mats will make it easier for more people to enjoy our amazing beaches and marinas, and I can't wait to see our community put them to good use," said Councilwoman Suzie Price.

The beach access mats, which will be located in the city's waterfront districts, are colored blue to help guide the visually impaired and be easily identifiable as ADA-accessible.

"Everyone should be able to experience our beaches and our waterfront, and now they can," said Councilwoman Cindy Allen. "Providing accessibility in a space that has traditionally been difficult to navigate for many in our community is so important and a great thing to see. I want to thank our Citizens' Advisory Commission on Disabilities for their leadership and partnership."

"Every summer there are lots of people who come to our beaches to relax and enjoy perfect weather," said Councilwoman Mary Zendejas. "Now residents and visitors with different abilities will have greater access to experience our popular beach spots."

Although not officially announced, some community members may have received notice that the event was going to be held at the beach access mat set for installation at Alamitos Beach. And although Alamitos Beach will boast one of the three new mats, due to scheduling and conflicting special events, the event has been moved to Granada Beach, which also will have a beach access mat installed and available to all.

The beach access mats will be available for public use year-round.

About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health and Human Services; Parks, Recreation and Marine; Development Services; Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Watch us on LBTV. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine
Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) is recognized for excellence in management practices and programs, having received the National Parks and Recreation Association Gold Medal Award four times. PRM provides leisure programs and services to residents and visitors, which improve quality of life in Long Beach. PRM maintains 169 parks with 26 community centers, 320 acres of open space, and 6.1 miles of beaches; implements the City's Open Space Plan, provides recreational opportunities to meet diverse community needs, maintains public marinas, and provides for public safety and the humane treatment of animals.

For more information about the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine programs and services, visit www.longbeach.gov/park. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Public Works
The Long Beach Public Works Department strives to operate, preserve, and enhance the City's physical infrastructure and transportation systems. The Department provides a variety of community services including the repair, rehabilitation and general upkeep of City streets, trees, sidewalks, and City structures. Public Works also provides emergency support services throughout the City. Visit us at longbeach.gov/pw/, Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

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