ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Escanaba’s Municipal Beach will be more accessible this summer, thanks to the support of local organizations.
The City’s Recreation Department is purchasing a $2,500 Mobi-Chair for public use at the beach, funded by a Hannahville Indian Community 2% Grant and the Escanaba Elks Lodge.
The beach has an existing Mobi-Mat, funded by a Public Health grant, that allows wheelchair users to navigate the sand. Recreation Director Kim Peterson says the Mobi-Chair will allow people of all ages and abilities to fully enjoy the beach.
“With the Mobi-Mat on the sand and this Mobi-Chair, people have access to the water,” she said. “They can actually sit in the chair and be pushed down the Mobi-Mat into the water, so the wheelchair itself will be the same chair that they use to access the water and also be able to float in the water. It can be used for people who have disabilities, but it also can be used for senior citizens who have a hard time walking but want to enjoy our waterfront. We think it’s going to be great.”
The Mobi-Chair will be stored at the beach house. Beachgoers will be able to check it out during beach operating hours at no cost. The Recreation Department has ordered the chair and hopes to have it before the beach opens in mid-June.
Follow the Recreation Department and Marina Facebook page for updates on the Municipal Beach.
