The Town of Sylvan Lake is committing to making parks and areas in Sylvan Lake more inclusive.
Part of this commitment includes three new beach-accessible wheelchairs and a beach mat, parks manager Lee Furlotte said.
“The mat enables beach access for wheelchairs, strollers, and canes. Two of the water wheelchairs can float and go underwater. The wheelchairs easily roll in the sand and on the grass.”
The installation of the matting was made possible due to a partnership with the Make a Move with Jagger Foundation (MAMWJ).
“The partnership with the MAMWJ has been a tremendous success,” Furlotte noted.
”MAMWJ approached the Town with a proposal that outlined the possibility of utilizing fundraising efforts by the MAMWJ organization in conjunction with the Town’s resources to install seasonal wheelchair-accessible matting at a location within Sylvan Lake.”
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The chairs will be free to use as long as the user has a credit card and ID.
“In the event, the chair is damaged while in renter’s care or if the chair is not returned, the credit card is required to cover any potential damages or the value of the chair,” Furlotte added.
The chairs will be available for users to rent for a day, however depending on demand this may change, Furlotte said.
“If we experience reservation conflicts, the reservation period will be reduced to ensure sufficient availability for users.
The mat was installed by parks crews on the east side of the pier on June 15 and the wheelchairs will be available for use starting June 17.
Future plans to make areas more accessible are already in the works.
“The Town is currently looking into a transfer lift to accompany the beach wheelchairs,” Furlotte said.
“Additionally, the Town’s Lakefront Usage strategy identifies additional accessibility points for future development.”
The water wheelchairs can be reserved through the Sun Sport Recreation website or by calling 403-887-7368.
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sarah.baker@blackpress.ca
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