"Mobi" Mats help the disabled at the beach...
"Mobi Mats" at Cape Henlopen State Park provide easier access to the beach for people who are physically challenged
DNREC's Division of Parks and Recreation has installed new Mobi Mats at Cape Henlopen State Park as part of a trial program at Delaware State Parks. The demonstration project is a cooperative program with the city of Rehoboth Beach. The mats, made of rigid, corrugated polyester fabric, provide a path over the sand to the beach and ocean that can be used by people using wheelchairs or those with other mobility issues, such as senior citizens.
"Reaction is very positive so far, and we hope to expand the program to our other beach parks," said Charles Salkin, Director of DNREC's Division of Parks and Recreation. "Delaware State Parks takes pride in being proactive in providing universal access. Our beach parks provide other amenities, including two special beach wheelchairs that allow wheelchair users to travel from the Mobi Mat into the water. Of course, all parking areas and restrooms are accessible and ramps and boardwalks traverse the sand over the dunes," Salkin said.
The Mobi Mats are lightweight, easily rolled and staked down and are mobile so they can be removed easily and quickly in case of high tides. Currently, two 50-foot-long sections that are five feet wide provide the path to the beach, while a 33-foot long by six-foot wide mat provides room for wheelchairs to turn and park.
The technology behind Mobi Mats is widely used by the military to move large equipment and vehicles in desert regions.
To learn more about accessibility features at Delaware State Parks and recreational opportunities, visit www.destateparks.com .
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