Now that spring is in full swing, more people will be flocking to L.A.’s many beautiful beaches. On Tuesday, April 13, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors will increase beach accessibility with a new access mat at the Marvin Braude Bike Trail near the Venice Boulevard beach parking lot. The mat will end in a “T” shape closer to the water’s edge. The access mat, made of a fine nylon mesh, is designed for people who use wheelchairs or may otherwise need a firmer surface to traverse the sand. The Venice Beach mat will be DBH’s eighth installation.
“One of the great joys of going to the beach is spending time on the sand near the water,” said L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, whose district includes Venice. “Now, with the use of this new mat, people who have difficulty negotiating the sand can more fully and safely enjoy a glorious day at Venice Beach.”
Installation will begin at 8 a.m and the mat will remain available through fall. These semi-permanent mats are part of DBH’s efforts to ensure everyone can enjoy Los Angeles County beaches.
For an interactive map of all access mat and beach wheelchair locations, visit beaches.lacounty.gov/access.