By Diane Stulga; Photography by Matt Bernstein
Long Beach Island’s 18 miles of sun, sand, and surf are enjoyed by countless visitors and locals every year. But for those who are physically, or mobility challenged, the joys of the beach can be beyond their reach. Seeing this need, the Borough of Ship Bottom launched a Beach Wheels program in 2002. Since then, the program has been a tremendous success.
Beach Wheels are lightweight wheelchairs constructed from PVC pipes with oversize wheels designed to navigate difficult beach terrain. The Beach Wheels program, which provides the specialized wheelchairs free of charge, operates throughout the year. From June 15th through Labor Day, it is administered by the Ship Bottom Beach Patrol. During the off-season it is operated through the municipal clerk’s office in conjunction with the Ship Bottom code enforcement officer, Matt Bernstein.
“Enjoying the beach is a big part of the human experience,” says Bernstein. “Most people love the feeling of sand on their feet and the wind in their hair.” He sees first-hand the positive impact the program has on physically challenged people of all ages and their loved ones.
According to Bernstein, it takes a team effort to make the Beach Wheels program work. The Ship Bottom office staff, the governing council and the lifeguards are all instrumental in making it a success. Recently, the program and staff received a letter of heartfelt gratitude from Tore Larsen after having utilized the Beach Wheels program for his sister, Molly.
Every other year, the Ship Bottom Borough has the opportunity to apply for a grant that supports handicapped accessibility to its parks and beaches. Last year, the borough secured a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to purchase two four-wheel drive utility terrain vehicles. The service known as the Ship Bottom Beach Taxi provides transportation for physically challenged people who would otherwise struggle to reach the beach. The service is free of charge and runs from Father’s Day weekend to Labor Day.
The Ship Bottom Beach Wheels and Beach Taxi programs put the beach within reach with just a phone call and a reservation.
For more information about the programs and how to make reservations in your borough, please contact the following:
• Barnegat Light: (609) 494-9196,
• Harvey Cedars: (609) 494-6905
• Long Beach Township: lbtbp.com/beachwheels
• Ship Bottom: (609) 494-2171 (summer ext. 145, winter ext. 131)
• Surf City: surfcitynj.org/beaches
• Beach Haven: (609) 494-9481
