Newton's New 'Mobi-Chair' Will Make Crystal Lake More Accessible

NEWTON, MA — The City of Newton is working to make its parks and beaches more accessible to people of all abilities by introducing a new, state-of-the-art water-accessible wheelchair at Crystal Lake and securing funding for several additional projects.

The new equipment, called a "Mobi-Chair," allows swimmers to move across the beach and get safely and easily into the water. It was funded by fines collected for illegal parking in handicapped spots, which was approved by the Commission on Disability.

"We continue to invest in ways to make Newton more welcoming and accessible to people of all ages and with disabilities," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a letter to the community Thursday.

State Representative Ruth Balser also secured $100,000 in the state budget for two additional projects at Crystal Lake, said Fuller. The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department will invest $75,000 for accessibility improvements at the park and beach and $25,000 will go towards the Levingston Cove improvement project, which will include a wheelchair-friendly platform for fishing.

More information about accessibility efforts in Newton can be found here.