Families and visitors to public splash pads and beaches in Sault Ste. Marie now have access to new water wheelchairs designed for children and adults with mobility disabilities, part of a broader municipal push to make recreational spaces more inclusive. The City of Sault Ste. Marie has purchased a beach wheelchair for adults at Pointe Des Chenes Beach, along with three youth water wheelchairs for the splash pads at Bellevue Park and Manzo Park. The equipment is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, and bookings can be made through the city’s website. New chairs address long-standing barrier Diane Morrell, the city’s accessibility coordinator, said the new chairs fill a gap that has kept some children from fully enjoying the splash pads. “Children and youth with disabilities, physical disabilities that have mobility equipment, it can’t get wet,” Morrell said in an interview with CTV News. “It has specialty seating. It doesn’t dry well. Some of them have power components. So it’s impossible for these children to be able to use the splash pad in their current seating.” The youth wheelchair is designed with a mesh seat, adjustable positioning straps, and an angle-adjustable seat and backrest to accommodate various positioning needs while allowing children to roll directly into the water features. Personal experience drives commitment Morrell, who uses mobility equipment herself, spoke about the difference between simply being at the beach and being able to enter the water. “Speaking from personal experience, when I go to the beach, it was really nice to be able to be there and look out on the water and feel the cooling breeze,” she said. “But it’s so much better if you can get into the water and cool yourself off.” The adult beach wheelchair at Pointe Des Chenes is made of a mesh material that does not retain water, allowing users to be wheeled directly into the lake. Additional accessibility improvements Beyond the wheelchairs, the city has made other accessibility upgrades, including enhanced parking at the beach and new change tables at Bellevue Park’s accessible change room. Morrell said the broader goal is to ensure people with disabilities can participate fully in community life. “It’s important for people with disabilities to be immersed in our community and to be as active and part of everything going on as everybody else,” she said. Booking and use The wheelchairs require a caregiver or attendant for operation, as they are not self-propelled. Residents can reserve the equipment by filling out an online form through the accessibility section of the city’s website. After registering, users receive further information and can select a preferred date and time. “We are excited to introduce the youth water wheelchair and the adult beach wheelchair to our community amenities,” Morrell said in a statement on the city’s website. “This aligns with our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible city for all residents. We encourage families to use this free service and create lasting memories.”
