News Summary
North Myrtle Beach has partnered with the Adaptive Surf Project to create the first fully inclusive beach access in South Carolina at 46th Avenue South. Opening on May 21, this initiative aims to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy the beach. The project also includes enhancements at nearby Atlantic Beach, with donated matting and a beach wheelchair. Feedback has been positive, highlighting the community’s commitment to inclusivity and environmental respect, making recreational opportunities accessible to everyone.
North Myrtle Beach has announced a partnership with the Adaptive Surf Project to enhance beach accessibility at 46th Avenue South. This collaboration is set to create a “radically inclusive beach access” that will open its doors to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This initiative marks a significant milestone as it is recognized as the first truly inclusive beach access in South Carolina.
The official opening ceremony for the new beach access is scheduled for May 21 at 9 a.m., inviting community members to celebrate this inclusive initiative. The local government and the Adaptive Surf Project are focused on ensuring that people of all abilities can enjoy the beach, fostering a sense of community and support in North Myrtle Beach.
In conjunction with this initiative, the Adaptive Surf Project is also taking steps to improve accessibility in neighboring Atlantic Beach. They are set to donate matting and a beach wheelchair to enhance beach access at 30th Avenue. The installation of the matting will coincide with a town-wide beach cleanup event, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement.
Feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive. One individual with mobility challenges expressed enthusiasm for the new access at 46th Avenue South, indicating a strong community interest in improved recreational opportunities. The Adaptive Surf Project has previously completed similar installations of blue matting at various beach accesses across the Grand Strand, demonstrating their dedication to creating accessible environments for all beachgoers.
For the Atlantic Beach installation, the matting will be tan, in order to blend with the natural surroundings and avoid disturbing local wildlife, especially nesting turtles. This careful consideration reflects the organization’s commitment to both accessibility and environmental respect.
The Adaptive Surf Project is not only focused on physical access but also on providing experiences that promote inclusion and enjoyment of water sports. They recently hosted the “Wheel to Surf” event, aimed at teaching individuals with disabilities how to surf. Participants included both children and adults, many of whom had never surfed before. Success stories from this event highlight the positive impact of community support and the potential for individuals to overcome personal challenges.
The event saw families, such as the Drakes, who were thrilled to witness their daughter surf for the first time since 1999 with the help of dedicated volunteers. Similarly, stories from parents, like Amanda McDowell, shared how their children have overcome significant health challenges to pursue their love for surfing, illustrating the emotional and therapeutic benefits associated with these initiatives.
Moving forward, the Adaptive Surf Project is committed to installing more matting at various access points along the Grand Strand, further enhancing beach accessibility. By prioritizing inclusivity, the organization aims to ensure that everyone in the community has the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational offerings of the coastline.
Overall, the partnership between North Myrtle Beach and the Adaptive Surf Project stands as a promising step toward fostering a more inclusive environment that celebrates the joys of beach access for all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Radically Inclusive North Myrtle Beach Wheelchair
- Wikipedia: Beach Access
- ABC News 4: Beach Wheelchairs on Pause
- Google Search: Beach Accessibility Initiatives
- WMBF News: Adaptive Surf Project Donates Equipment
- Google Scholar: Adaptive Surfing
- Myrtle Beach Online: New Beach Access Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Adaptive Surfing
- Horry News: Final Wheels to Surf Event
- Google News: Wheels to Surf Event
