Access For All At Ryde Harbour Beach As New Facilities Officially Opened

Thursday, 25 July 2024 12:12

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Ryde Town Council announced the official opening of its beach accessibility facilities yesterday (Wednesday).

This milestone event marks a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy the beautiful five-mile stretch of Ryde beach.

A Community-Driven Project

This project was born from heartfelt feedback from wheelchair users who were excluded from enjoying one of Ryde’s greatest treasures.

Recognising the importance of inclusivity, we embarked on a journey to make our beach accessible to all.

With inspiration from beach towns across the country, and considering Ryde’s unique shifting sands, we decided on a sturdy wooden boardwalk as the best solution.

Handcrafted Boardwalk

Partnering with NaShers, a dedicated men’s sheds group from Seaview, we crafted a bespoke 200-metre boardwalk.

Thanks to their hard work, wheelchair users, people with mobility challenges, and families with pushchairs can now easily access the beach.

Accessible Equipment

In addition to the boardwalk, we have introduced a range of equipment to make beach strolls and dips in the sea accessible to everyone.

The collection includes beach and sea wheelchairs, a sand rollator, and equipment provided by the Lifeguards, all available free of charge through an online booking system.

Richard May, Ryde Mayor, and Graham Biss, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, were on hand to cut the ribbon as the formal opening ceremony of the facilities and Ambassador Michelle Wheatley sent a message about what this opening would mean to her family.

“Equipment such as a changing place toilet, hoist and beach wheelchairs makes a location accessible for us as a family, due to my son being entirely dependent on such items.

"We are able to spend a day out and about without the worry of somewhere to change and we can access the sand and sea via the boardwalk and the beach wheelchairs.

"This equipment is life changing for us.

"We now hope that other beaches on the island will follow in the footsteps of Ryde and help to open up opportunities and experiences for those with limited mobility."

For more details and bookings please visit the website or contact Ryde Town Council on: 811105 or email [email protected]

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