by ASHLEY CULLINANE, NBC 10 NEWS <\/p>\n
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is opening the beach to people of all abilities with a variety of wheelchairs designed for sand and water. (WJAR) <\/p>\n
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is working to make all state parks wheelchair accessible as the summer season heats up.<\/p>\n
At Horseneck Beach in Westport, there are a variety of beach wheelchairs available so those who could not otherwise enjoy a day at the beach can do so. <\/p>\n
The chairs are made of PVC pipe and feature a fishing rod holder, a movable arm for transfer and large balloon tires for travel across sand. <\/p>\n
Patricia Ainsley spent most of her life like many do in Massachusetts. <\/p>\n
\"We grew up going to the Cape,\" Ainsley said. <\/p>\n
But trips to the beach stopped when she had her leg amputated. <\/p>\n
\"It's been a long time, maybe five years,\" she said. <\/p>\n
The great-grandmother's family surprised her by bringing her to the beach. It was their first trip to Horseneck. <\/p>\n
\"Oh my goodness, look at it!\" Ainsley said as she reached the sand. \"I just love it. I don't even know how to express it anymore. It's a whole wonderful feeling. I'm going to cry.\" <\/p>\n
There are more than 150 beach wheelchairs across the state, according to DCR Universal Access Program director Thomas McCarthy. <\/p>\n
Efforts by the UAP to make the parks and beaches accessible began in 1995. <\/p>\n
\"It's grown in a tremendous way,\" McCarthy said. <\/p>\n
While UAP receives state funding, McCarthy said organizations have donated chairs in the past. He said the non-profit Smile Mass has donated at least 15 chairs. Some beaches also offer floating wheelchairs called Mobi chairs and have mats leading to the water. <\/p>\n
Horseneck Beach clerk Rachel Pichette said getting a wheelchair is simple. <\/p>\n
\"You just give us a form of ID,\" Pichette said. \"We'll hold onto that until we get the chair back.\" <\/p>\n
Reservations are recommended. <\/p>\n
Pichette said Horseneck Beach officials are working to get more chairs for the campground. <\/p>\n
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Original post: <\/p>\n
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