North Myrtle Beach, October 16, 2025
News Summary
North Myrtle Beach has unveiled a revamped beach access point at 46th Avenue, designed specifically for wheelchair-bound individuals. This beach access features an 85-foot-long mat to enable those with mobility challenges to enjoy the beach independently. The initiative, celebrated with an official unveiling, showcases a collaborative effort between the City of North Myrtle Beach and the Adaptive Surf Project, with facilities including handicap van-accessible parking and beach wheelchairs available for visitors. This development sets a precedent for inclusivity in coastal areas across South Carolina.
North Myrtle Beach recently unveiled a newly revamped beach access at 46th Avenue that is specifically designed for wheelchair-bound individuals. This project marks an important step towards inclusivity, allowing more visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the beach. The impressive initiative was celebrated with an official unveiling on May 21, 2025, and represents a collaboration between the City of North Myrtle Beach and the Adaptive Surf Project.
The revamped beach access features an 85-foot-long mat that allows those using wheelchairs to roll comfortably over the sand and get as close to the tide line as possible without requiring assistance. The site also includes six handicap van-accessible parking spots and five beach wheelchairs available for visitors to borrow, further enhancing accessibility.
The walkway from the parking lot to the shoreline is completely free of steps and has a gentle gradient, making it easier for individuals in wheelchairs to access the beach. This significant development is described as “radically inclusive” and reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, can enjoy the coastal experience.
As part of its ongoing mission, the Adaptive Surf Project has worked closely with North Myrtle Beach to introduce this beach access initiative, securing grants that funded the beach wheelchairs and the mat. The collaboration demonstrates a strong community effort towards increasing accessibility along the coastline, particularly in light of the transformation of the former location of the Tricia Lyn Motel into this welcoming beach access point.
This newly improved beach access serves as a model for other coastal areas in South Carolina, potentially inspiring similar inclusive initiatives across the state. The city of North Myrtle Beach aims to foster an environment where all individuals can enjoy the ocean views and sandy shoreline together.
During the unveiling event, city officials, including Mayor Marilyn Hatley, emphasized the importance of this accessible beach access. Mayor Hatley expressed personal enthusiasm about how this site, the only of its kind on the East Coast, would encourage family outings, mentioning plans to bring her elderly mother to the beach for the first time in years.
Brock Johnson, assistant director of the Adaptive Surf Project, conveyed that the development significantly improves the beach experience for visitors with mobility challenges. Many, like Jose Solorio, a user of the new beach access, have expressed their gratitude for the extended mat, which provides them with increased independence and confidence at the beach.
Overall, the North Myrtle Beach project aligns well with ongoing discussions in South Carolina about improving accessibility at beaches across the state. It showcases the potential for more communities to prioritize inclusivity so that all individuals may experience the beauty and refreshment the beach has to offer.
FAQ
What new feature was recently opened in North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach recently opened a newly revamped beach access at 46th Avenue designed for wheelchair-bound individuals.
What does the revamped beach access include?
The revamp includes an 85-foot-long mat that allows increased access to the beach for those using wheelchairs.
Who collaborated on this project?
The project was a collaboration between the City of North Myrtle Beach and the Adaptive Surf Project, which aims to provide accessible surf experiences.
What features does the new site offer?
The new site features six handicap van-accessible parking spots and five beach wheelchairs for visitors to borrow.
When was the official unveiling of the improved beach access?
On May 21, 2025, city and Adaptive Surf Project leaders celebrated the official unveiling of the improved beach access.
What is the significance of this beach access?
The beach access is described as “radically inclusive” and reflects a commitment to ensuring all individuals, regardless of ability, can enjoy the coastline.
What has been said about the beach access’s impact?
Brock Johnson, assistant director of the Adaptive Surf Project, noted that this development significantly improves the beach experience for visitors with mobility challenges.
What does this project represent for other coastal areas?
The project serves as a model for other coastal areas in South Carolina to replicate similar inclusive initiatives.
Key Features of North Myrtle Beach Beach Access
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Beach Mat Length | 85 feet |
| Handicap Van-Accessible Parking Spots | 6 |
| Beach Wheelchairs Available | 5 |
| Gradient of Walkway | Gentle, step-free access |
| Location | 46th Avenue, North Myrtle Beach |
| Official Unveiling Date | May 21, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Adaptive Surf Project Unveils Radically Inclusive Beach Access
- My Horry News: New North Myrtle Beach Access Gives Handicapped Beachgoers Fully Accessible Beach Path
- ABC News 4: North Myrtle Beach Unveils Radically Inclusive Beach Access Improvements
- Post and Courier: North Myrtle Beach SC Beach Wheelchair Access
- Wikipedia: Accessibility
- Google Search: Accessible Beach Access
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
