Long Branch Opens City's First Fully Accessible Beach

LONG BRANCH - This past Saturday, Long Branch municipal officials and the Long Branch Disability Caucus joined representatives of the MOCEANS Center for Independent Living and state and federal dignitaries to celebrate the grand opening of one of New Jersey’s first fully accessible beaches in Long Branch, calling it a major accomplishment for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities.

"We're truly proud to open Long Branch’s first fully accessible beach," said Mayor John Pallone. "It really represents a convergence of outstanding efforts from self-advocates with disabilities, their allies, and supporters in our Long Branch community."

MOCEANS, an organization that works to help those with disabilities lead independent and fulfilling lives, highlighted the demand for and potential success of accessible beaches after hosting its first annual Beach Bash in September last year. More than 100 residents - many of whom had never previously been able to set foot on the beach - enjoyed an afternoon of fun in the sand and sun, an ability that almost every other Jersey Shore resident can take for granted.

“It takes a lot on the part of municipalities to really make it work for people in their towns,” said Judyth Brown, Executive Director for MOCEANS. “Long Branch went out of their way after they saw all the people who came to our beach bash. They decided to make this happen. This is a good example of how people can really make a difference in their communities at the grassroots level.”

Brown added that the fully accessible beach will benefit any person who has difficulty accessing the beach, including any person who makes use of a walker or wheelchair to move around.

“The City of Long Branch, which worked hard to make this beach opening possible, should be incredibly proud of the progress that it represents for inclusion and accessibility,” said Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth), who has joined colleague Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) in sponsoring legislation that would create statewide beach accessibility standards for persons with disabilities. “This accessible beach sets an example that towns across the Jersey Shore can follow, and we hope to make sure that towns from Sandy Hook to Cape May are able to follow suit.”

“People with disabilities often don’t have access to the same recreational opportunities as their families and friends,” said Downey. “Every time we remove barriers to access for our beautiful public spaces, we make our communities stronger, fairer, and more open to anyone who might wish to enjoy them. We couldn’t be prouder to see Long Branch leading the way.”