Did you know that there are ADA beach mats at Del Monte Beach, Monterey (California), giving beach access to people in wheelchairs?
It’s true! And a huge “Thank You” is owed to Monterey resident Tammy J., who spearheaded this project!
Tammy had used this type of mat when she was vacationing in Oahu, Hawaii, many years ago. She was grateful to have beach access in spite of her MS diagnosis and limited mobility.
Aware that many of these mats have been installed at beaches along the California coast from San Diego to San Francisco, Tammy did a great deal of research to see how she could get the same type of mats installed in her hometown of Monterey.
Project Research and Application, City Approval … and Lockdown Delay
The project began in 2018 when, after extensive research, Tammy submitted an application to the Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) with the City of Monterey.
Along with the application, letters were written encouraging approval, and Tammy, Carrieanna and others went to the NCIP meeting to speak about the need for ADA beach mats to allow access to the local Monterey beaches.
The application was approved for the 2019 plan, but there was a large backlog of projects, and then the shutdowns of 2020 occurred. Tammy resubmitted the application when things opened back up, and this project became #1 on the project list.
Durable ADA Beach Mats by AccessRec
AccessRec makes the mats, which are made of a durable plastic that is permeable so sand sifts through rather than collecting on top of the mat.
The panels are secured in the sand by a 4-foot deep spike. Although the mats can be moved, they are meant to be permanent.
A representative / consultant from AccessRec suggested where the beach mats could be successfully installed. There is currently one at the west end of Del Monte Beach, to the east of Wharf #2 in Monterey.
The First Beach Mat is Installed!
The first ADA beach mat was installed in June of 2023 on the West End of Del Monte Beach. Although there was little fanfare, the installation was noted by the local news station, KSBW Action News.
Note: There was a one-foot sand-filled gap between the paved bike trail and the edge of the original mat – pictured. This made access to the mat difficult – if not impossible – for wheelchair users. Tammy, Carrieanna and others brought that to the attention of the City of Monterey, which they fixed with cement.
This original mat was inadvertently destroyed when run over by vehicles during a private event. The replacement mat was placed so that it abutted to the bike trail, making it truly accessible for wheelchair users.
These mats are not only helpful for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges, but they are also used and appreciated by First Responders when they seek quick access to the beach.
Working to have More ADA Beach Mats Installed
Tammy is in communication with the Monterey Parks Department and NCIP to get more materials ordered so another beach mat can be installed at “Windows on the Bay” in Monterey; she hopes a third will be installed on the east end of Del Monte Beach.
Hopefully other beach communities will follow suit and install them in their cities.
Thank you, Tammy and friends, for working to get these beach mats approved and installed!
Anything Is Possible Travel 