Access to Paradise

Accessible mat project launched at Wellington Rotary Beach

Thanks to the hard work by local organizations, and a corporate commitment from Corona Canada, access to paradise at Wellington Rotary Beach is now equally enjoyable to all, regardless of mobility, ability or age.

Last Wednesday afternoon, the Rotary Club of Wellington hosted a beach party to cut the ribbon at the grand opening. Mobility mats, picnic area and two floating mobility chairs were unveiled.

The idea of making the beach more accessible started with Rotary member Dave Robinet. Last October, he, along with Ken Robertson and President Lynn Mc- Gowan met with Wellington councillor Corey Engelsdorfer at the beach for the first site visit. Robinet wanted to discuss the potential of the Rotary Club of Wellington installing just one accessible mat. The club had connected with Wade Watts, Mobility Facilitator with Watts Accessibility Consulting, for this project.

After a couple more site visits with County staff, Rotary was able to expand the project to include additional mats, two Mobi-Chairs and a storage shed, thanks to the financial support of Corona Canada through its Accessing Paradise Pledge—a commitment to improve access for six beaches across the country.

Currently less than 15 per cent of Canadian beaches are accessible. Corona Canada has committed to working with Mobi-Mats to make more beaches accessible. Wellington Rotary Beach was one of the first two beaches in Canada chosen for the pledge—the other is located in Saint Zotique, Quebec.

At the opening, Engelsdorfer welcomed the crowd, and said the project had made Wellington Rotary Beach even more enjoyable for all.

“Last Wednesday, the mats, made with reclaimed ocean-bound plastics, were installed by County Operations staff. Corona was on site to shoot a commercial. What struck me, was when we arrived, Wade could only go as far as the boardwalk. As the mats started to go down, he was able to dip his toes in the water. It was very fullfilling,” said Councillor Engelsdorfer. “As is often the case, the Rotary Club of Wellington delivers on a project that does so much good for the community.”

Engelsdorfer noted that the project was made possible by much collaboration between County staff and the Rotary Club of Wellington.

The week prior, a crew of County operations staff led by manager Jeff Bryans and foreman Brad VanVlack got to work on preparing the beach for the mats. On Wednesday, May 8, the installation took place with the guidance of Watts.

Ken Robertson, past-president of the Rotary Club of Wellington thanked County staff, Wade Watts and Corona Canada for the support.

“Our members are incredibly proud to take the lead on this project, which aligns with the Rotary Club’s desire to further diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Robertson, who also noted the financial support from Rotary Clubs of Picton, Brighton, Stirling and Trenton.

Rotary fundraised and garnered financial support from other clubs and a district grant to raise $10,000 of the estimated $52,000 cost, which includes $42,000 from Corona Canada.

Those who would like to book the Mobi Chairs will be able to do so soon through the online booking system with the County.

To learn more about Corona Canada’s pledge to make more Canadian beaches accessible, visit coronaextra.ca/accessingparadise