Bryan administration unveils beach accessibility equipment at Magens Bay

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and territorial ADA Coordinator Julien Henley unveiled new accessibility equipment at Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 19, 2021.

The equipment, part of the Virgin Islands Accessible Beaches Initiative, included AccessMats and WaterWheels. According to Government House, the initial equipment was funded through the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

AccessMats are portable vinyl walkways designed to improve access across sand and to the water. WaterWheels are beach wheelchairs designed to travel on the mats and packed sand and to float in the water.

Government House said two beaches on each island were to receive the equipment. On St. Thomas, the designated beaches were Magens Bay and Coki Point Beach. On St. Croix, Cramer Park and possibly Fort Frederik Beach were identified. On St. John, two beaches had not yet been determined.

Cabinet members and other officials attending the event included Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White, Human Services Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez, Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner J.P. Oriol, Tourism representative Luana Wheatley, Magens Bay Authority Chairwoman Katina Coulianos and Sen. Steven Payne Sr.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-ada-coordinator-julien-henley-unveil-new-accessibility-aids-for-disabled-persons-at-magens-bay-beach/