Access Mat Installed at Robert Simpson Park Beach; Beach Level Parking to Re-Open on Weekends

ARNPRIOR, ON – The beach at Robert Simpson Park received a major accessibility upgrade this week with the installation of an AccessMat and the addition of a WaterWheels chair. Robert Simpson Park becomes the second waterfront in Renfrew County to benefit from a beach access mat joining Bonnechere Provincial Park.

“This is an exciting enhancement to our waterfront,” said Graeme Ivory, Director of Recreation. “This was a project first imagined by our Accessibility Advisory Committee and is the first in a series of accessible improvements to our waterfront.”

Another capital project in the works this year is the Waterfront Revitalization Project that will see the section of Gillies Trail from Madawaska Boulevard to Robert Simpson Park paved along with the addition of lighting, benches and waste/recycling receptacles.

The AccessMat is a portable and removable rollout access route that can be used in a multitude of applications for individuals of all abilities (pedestrians and wheelchairs access), as well as strollers, and more particularly in beach environments. The AccessMat at Robert Simpson Park is 5-feet wide and 150-feet in length running from the waterfront trail across the beach and into the designated swim area of the Ottawa River.

WaterWheels is perfect for all wheelchair users and those with special needs. It is designed to give users the waterfront experience. With the floatable armrests and tires, WaterWheels easily transports users from the beach to the water.

Effective July 2, the Town will re-open the beach level parking on weekends. Parking will be open 7-days a week with parking featuring an additional accessible spot for a total of three along with four standard parking spots. All other areas of the beach level parking, including the hill, are tow away zones. Violators will be towed, not ticketed.

The Town would also like to remind visitors that overnight camping is not permitted in Town parks, including Robert Simpson Park and its parking lot and the municipal marina.

The Town continues to review further accessible enhancements to its recreational amenities through the Recreation and Parks Master Plan. Residents are asked to complete the Community Engagement Surveys available at www.Arnprior.ca/Engage and click on the Recreation and Parks Master Plan project page. Surveys are open until July 9.

Resources:

Media Contact:

Graeme Ivory, Director of Recreation
givory@arnprior.ca | 613.623.7301 X1793