Ryde, Isle of Wight, 24th July 2024 – Ryde Town Council is thrilled to announce the official opening of our beach accessibility facilities! This milestone event marks a significant step forward in ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can enjoy the beautiful five-mile stretch of Ryde beach.
A Community-Driven Project
This project was born from heartfelt feedback from wheelchair users who were excluded from enjoying one of Ryde’s greatest treasures. Recognising the importance of inclusivity, we embarked on a journey to make our beach accessible to all. With inspiration from beach towns across the country, and considering Ryde’s unique shifting sands, we decided on a sturdy wooden boardwalk as the best solution.
Handcrafted Boardwalk
Partnering with NaShers, a dedicated men’s sheds group from Seaview, we crafted a bespoke 200-meter boardwalk. Thanks to their hard work, wheelchair users, people with mobility challenges, and families with pushchairs can now easily access the beach.
Accessible Equipment
In addition to the boardwalk, we have introduced a range of equipment to make beach strolls and dips in the sea accessible to everyone. Our collection includes beach and sea wheelchairs, a sand rollator, and equipment provided by the Lifeguards, all available free of charge through an online booking system: https://www.ryde-marina.co.uk/beach-hire-services/beach-accessibility-bookings/
Changing Places Unit
A major upgrade accompanying these provisions is the seasonal Changing Places unit located near the existing toilet facilities at Eastern Gardens. Fully equipped with a ceiling hoist, changing bench, shower, and accessible amenities, this facility ensures that everyone can enjoy their time at the beach comfortably.
Support from Stakeholders and Sponsors
Annette Johansson-Steed – Projects Officer at Ryde Town Council adds: “This opening would not have been possible without the support of key stakeholders: Hovertravel, Visit Isle of Wight, Grace’s Bakery, Ryde
Community Development Trust, Isle Access, and Unlimited Island. We also say a special thanks to Coghlan’s Digger Hire for their invaluable assistance in preparing the beach area.
The support from our main sponsors—Diametric, Visit Isle of Wight and Sport England has been outstanding. Along with Ryde Town Council, Isle of Wight Council, and our wonderful crowdfunding contributors, their generous financial support helped us exceed £47,000 in funding.
We invite the entire community to celebrate this incredible achievement and enjoy the enhanced accessibility features at Ryde Beach. Together, we are making Ryde a more inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at the beach.”
Event Highlights
Speakers included Will Myers from Visit IoW and Neil Chapman from Hovertravel, who will discuss the positive economic and tourism impacts of these accessibility improvements. Jan Brookes from the island-based accessibility charity, Isle Access, also made a speech about how Ryde is leading the way for accessibility on the island.
Richard May, Ryde Mayor, and Graham Biss, High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight were on hand to cut the ribbon as the formal opening ceremony of the facilities and Ambassador Michelle Wheatley sent a message about what this opening would mean to her family.
“Equipment such as a changing place toilet, hoist and beach wheelchairs makes a location accessible for us as a family, due to my son being entirely dependent on such items.
We are able to spend a day out and about without the worry of somewhere to change and we can access the sand and sea via the boardwalk and the beach wheelchairs. This equipment is life changing for us. We now hope that other beaches on the island will follow in the footsteps of Ryde and help to open up opportunities and experiences for those with limited mobility.
With a little creativity and support from the community, all beaches can be made accessible.”
For more details and bookings please visit https://www.ryde-marina.co.uk/beach-hire-services/beach-accessibility-bookings/ or contact Ryde Town Council on: 01983 811105, email: beach.accessibility@rydetowncouncil.gov.uk