Experience Beach Life in Alberta: Sandy Point Beach Just Got More Accessible!
As a passionate advocate for disability rights and accessibility, I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news that’s a game-changer for beach lovers in Alberta. Lacombe County has officially introduced the Mobi-mat and MobiChair at Sandy Point Beach on the shores of Gull Lake, making it one of the most accessible beaches in the province.
A photo of the new Mobi-mat and MobiChair at Sandy Point Beach on Gull Lake, Alberta Photo credit: Lacombe County
A Personal Reflection
Growing up, I always dreamed of being a beach bum with my cousins. There were plenty of times when my cousins would be excited to cool off in the water, play beach volleyball, fish off the dock, or just lounge under an umbrella for the afternoon. While they had their fun, I often found myself hanging out with the adults, feeling a bit left out. My closest cousins, in their kindness, would sometimes opt to stay back with me, claiming they "didn't feel like going down to the beach" or that it was overrated. I had mixed feelings about this—I appreciated their solidarity but felt guilty that I might be the reason they were missing out. Thankfully, my aunts and uncles would step up and play games with me, ensuring I still had a great time.
One of the most memorable moments where I felt just like the other kids was after I had arm surgery and was sporting a cast. My uncle ingeniously decided to tape a garbage bag over the cast to prevent it from getting wet, so I could join the fun. In our infinite wisdom, we used tape, but a portion of it stuck to my arm. My uncle, ever the trickster, convinced me to let him "check it out," and swiftly ripped the tape off, along with a chunk of my skin. I haven't trusted him since—hahaha!
The New Accessibility Features at Sandy Point Beach
Mobi-mat: This incredible mat makes the sandy terrain navigable for anyone with wheels, including wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Located next to the washrooms, it provides a smooth path right to the water, ensuring everyone can enjoy the beach.
Tanner Whidden, a dedicated advocate and consultant from Sylvan Lake, proudly showcasing the new beach-accessible wheelchairs at Sandy Point Beach. With these amazing MobiChairs, Tanner is helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible beach experience for everyone!
MobiChair: The beach accessible wheelchair is available for those who use wheelchairs, have motor disabilities, or need assistance navigating the beach. It’s not just for wheelchair users but also for individuals who cannot swim or require help moving around on the sand. The best part? The MobiChair is available for use at no cost!
How It Works
Operating Days and Hours: The MobiChair is available from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with special availability on long weekends.
On-Site Registration: Users need to fill out rental forms and waivers with on-site personnel.
Rental Duration: You can rent the MobiChair for various durations—1 hour, 2 hours, half-day (3 hours), or a full day (6 hours).
Safety Guidelines: Follow all safety instructions provided by the staff, especially if the user is a minor or needs assistance.
Currently, the rentals operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no advance reservations. Lacombe County plans to assess the demand and potentially introduce online reservations in future seasons. For booking information or any questions, please contact Lacombe County at 403-782-3567.
Family Effort and New Opportunities
Looking back, it was truly a family effort to ensure I enjoyed our beach outings. My mom and family were incredibly understanding and always found ways to include me, whether it was lugging me down to the beach or letting me "swim" on my hands and knees with my cousins. The introduction of the Mobi-mat and MobiChair would have been a dream come true for us. It would have taken a load off everyone mentally, knowing that I could navigate the sand independently without needing others to pull me through or carry me.
Current Adventures
While I don’t do much beaching nowadays, I still appreciate connecting with nature. I often spend time at Swan Lake, MN, with my family in the US, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings.
Advice for Other Families
To other families who might be hesitant to go to the beach due to accessibility concerns, I say, "You never know unless you try." Every struggle presents an opportunity for feedback and improvement, potentially leading to better accessibility for everyone. Don't let fears hold you back from making wonderful memories.
Share Your Experience!
Have you visited Sandy Point Beach or another accessible beach? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your stories and photos on social media and tag me. Let’s celebrate accessibility and the joy it brings to our lives!
