September 12, 2024

Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, in an effort to make the recreational opportunities at the park more accessible, has acquired an accessible beach mat through the brand Mobi-Mat.

According to their website, the mat is a heavy-duty portable ramp made of 100% recycled polyester material “designed to create a stable and durable surface over soft or unstable ground.”  This apparatus provides light and medium-sized vehicles such as wheelchairs access to the pond’s shoreline. It can be seen in action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_U8JebscDw&authuser=0.

These mats have been used successfully on beaches throughout the United States for many years. 

Teka Perry, Ms. Wheelchair Wyoming 2023, tried out the device after it was installed at the EKW pond at the end of August and provided staff with valuable feedback. Perry is a frequent visitor to EKW and an advocate for increased accessibility. 

“Thank you to the Ms. Wheelchair America Foundation for offering me the hope and freedom award, which I was then able to contribute the money I won towards this project,” Perry said. “This will be a great addition. I will be able to get down to the water with my kids.”  

The Mobi-Mat will be a welcome addition to EKW, according to Superintendent Linley Mayer.

“We are grateful to be able to work with the Wyoming State Parks team and with their support provide this addition to the park as we strive to meet the department’s mission of improving communities and enriching lives,” Mayer said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_U8JebscDw&authuser=0