The City of Venice is proud to announce that Venice Beach now has an ADA mobility mat that provides access for citizens in wheelchairs and scooters at the beach.

The Venice Public Works Department completed installation this morning. The mat will be maintained by a volunteer group. If this location is successful, other beach locations may be identified. This project was funded by Park Impact Fees at a cost $5,300 not including installation.

“The dimensions and location of the mobility mat were limited due to permitting requirements of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that require construction to be perpendicular to the shoreline and no farther seaward than the Erosion Control Line,” said City Engineer Kathleen Weeden. “By extending the existing wooden boardwalk, those with mobility limitations can now enjoy the open sandy beach.”

Ken Niebuhr of Champaign, Ill., a seasonal resident of Venice for about 5 years, was the first to use the AccessMat® Thursday morning. Ken said without his scooter he needs crutches to walk.

“The mat is absolutely wonderful,” Ken said. “It gave me access to see more of the beach and the water, and it was nice to get out among the people doing yoga. It was easy for me to use with my scooter. Thank you to everyone involved in getting it there.”

Ken, whose wife Beth participates in Yoga with Elin near where the mat is installed, said he now plans to use the mat to join his wife for beach yoga classes.

Venice residents Kim and Ken Eudy have been strong advocates of installing a mobility mat at Venice Beach for several years. The City of Venice appreciates their assistance in moving this project forward.