Huntington Introduces Sand And Water-Accessible Wheelchair Mats

FORT SALONGA, NY - The Town of Huntington held the inaugural roll-out of its first sand-accessible wheelchair mats at Crab Meadow Beach on Thursday. Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, and Councilwoman Joan Cergol were joined by Centerport resident Dylan Thompson, according to a news release.

"It was a proud moment to see these new mobile mats rolled out for the first time ever at Crab Meadow Beach, bringing much-needed accessibility to the sands and waters of Huntington's shores," Lupinacci stated. "Dylan Thompson played an integral role in getting this technology to our beaches, and we are so grateful for his advocacy."

The new "Mobi Mats" are currently at Crab Meadow, Centerport and Hobart beaches, according to Cuthbertson.

With the new mats out, "folks like Dylan will be able to enjoy the beach, just like everyone else," Cuthbertson said. "Eventually, all of our beaches will have these Mats and be accessible to everyone, as they should be."

Cergol thanked Thompson for his activism that has resulted in the Town's beaches becoming more accessible and user friendly to those who love going to them.

"I derived great joy and satisfaction in watching Dylan take the inaugural run along our newly-installed Mobi Mats at Crab Meadow Beach and look forward to him continuing to use his voice to lead us to yet other inspired ideas that enhance residents’ enjoyment of our Town," Cergol said.

At its July 21 meeting, the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution co-sponsored by Lupinacci and Cergol for up to $12,500 in Environmental Open Space and Park Improvement (EOSPA) funds to purchase 6.5-foot wide "Mobi Mats" to boost sand and water accessibility at Asharoken Beach, Fleets Cove Beach, Gold Star Battalion Beach and Quentin Sammis West Neck Beach. Matching funding from the Community Development Agency (CDA) is expected to be approved for the purchase of these mats before the opening of the 2021 summer beach season.

At the same meeting, the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution co-sponsored by Cuthbertson and Cergol for the purchase and installation of Mobi Mats for initial use at Crab Meadow Beach, Centerport Beach, and Hobart Beach, at a cost not to exceed $25,000; to be reimbursed by the CDA.

"I'm really grateful and happy that the town has listened to me by making the Mobi-Mats available at 7 town beaches," Thompson said. "These mats are really going to help a lot of people, not just disabled beachgoers like myself. That really makes me feel lucky to have been able to help so many people."