Beach Accessibility Mat Update: On Tuesday, October 2nd, the City of Coronado will be voting to authorize funding to purchase beach accessibility mats.
The staff recommendation calls for placing the mats at central and north beach.
Mats at central beach would stretch down to the hard-packed sand while the mats at north beach would form an “L” shape to provide access to the fire rings.
What do you think? Do these locations make sense? Or should there be an additional location such as at dog beach?
You can read this report on page 207 of the city council agenda at the following link: http://
ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AND DIRECT STAFF TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF PROCURING BEACH MATS, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $55,000, TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY AT CENTRAL AND NORTH BEACH
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the recommendation and direct staff to begin the procurement of beach accessibility mats to be located at Central and North Beach in an amount not to exceed $55,000 and appropriate the funds from the General Fund.
FISCAL IMPACT: Staff requests an authorization and an appropriation from the General Fund (Fund 100) of an amount not to exceed $55,000 for the purchase of beach accessibility mats. There will be operations and maintenance costs that will be included in future Public Services & Engineering, Beach Division, FY 2018-19 mid-year budget submittals. In addition, the mats have an expected service life of between three and seven years, and will require replacement.
CITY COUNCIL AUTHORITY: Directing staff in the procurement of beach mats is an administrative decision not affecting a fundamental vested right. When an administrative decision does not affect a fundamental vested right, the courts will give greater weight to the City Council in any challenge of the decision to award the permit.
PUBLIC NOTICE: The issue of beach accessibility mats was discussed and supported at the September 10, 2018, Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting. The PRC supports beach mats to improve accessibility to the shoreline at Central Beach and the fire rings located at North Beach.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT: This activity is exempt from environmental review pursuant to CEQA section 15304 Minor Alterations to Land.
BACKGROUND: North Beach and Central Beach are the widest beaches in the City and require beach attendees to traverse soft sand for a significant distance. This distance, and the terrain over which the distance is covered, is challenging for persons with mobility issues, physical challenges, elderly persons, and children, among others. At the June 19, 2018, City Council meeting, the Council approved the request to agendize the issue and direct the PRC to evaluate beach accessibility utilizing beach accessibility mats. The placement of a beach accessibility mat(s) would provide a safer, less-taxing surface for all individuals to pass over. In addition, a beach accessibility mat(s) would appeal to the public by allowing them an easier mode of transporting beach-related equipment as opposed to traversing across soft sand.
ANALYSIS: Staff recommends one beach accessibility mat pathway be placed at Central Beach and a second beach accessibility mat pathway be placed at North Beach. At Central Beach, staff recommends a mat be laid to cover the distance between the Central Beach Lifeguard Tower (Tower) and the hard-pack sand near the shoreline (Attachment A). There currently exists a concrete walkway from Ocean Boulevard to the Tower. The Tower houses five beach-accessible wheelchairs that are available for use by the public. The lifeguards maintain and regulate the use of the beach-accessible wheelchairs. The wheelchairs are used frequently, especially in the summer. Placing the mat from the lifeguard tower to the hard-pack sand in this location would allow for an uninterrupted connection of the concrete walkway, the Tower, and the hard-pack sand, 207 10d 10/02/18 which is close to the water. Staff is recommending the mat cover the distance between the Tower and the hard-pack sand, which is approximately 130 yards. Mats are available in various lengths that can be customized depending on seasonal sand erosion and replacement, weather events, and tidal influence.
Staff also recommends a mat be placed at North Beach between Ocean Boulevard and the first row (nearest Ocean Boulevard) of beach fire rings (Attachment B). The distance between Ocean Boulevard and the first Coronado Beach fire ring is approximately 85 yards, and approximately 65 yards between the first and last fire pits of the back row of fire pits closest to Ocean Boulevard, a total of approximately 150 yards. By laying the mats in an “L” formation, three of the eight fire rings would be accessible via mat. The mats would be positioned away/back from the fire rings to avoid discharging embers. Mats will not catch fire.
Numerous companies manufacture Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant beach mats. Mats come in various sizes (both length and width), color, and materials depending on the specific application and the manufacturer. Staff recommends a mat width of six feet, which coincides with the width of the concrete pathway located at the Tower. Additionally, various vehicles, including safety vehicles and the beach tractor, would need to traverse over the beach mats. Depending on the manufacturer, mats have incorporated design features to accommodate vehicle traffic. Mat longevity varies depending on usage with mats reportedly lasting from three years under heavy traffic conditions to as high as seven or more years under less taxing conditions.
If approved, Public Services and Engineering (PSE), in conjunction with the beach lifeguards, will begin the process of determining the appropriate mat material and sizing for the recommended locations. Maintenance and storage of the beach mats will primarily be managed by PSE with assistance from the beach lifeguards.
