Coronado installs wheelchair accessibility mats at public beaches

Coronado installed wheelchair-accessible mats on public beaches Thursday.

The mats, which feature temperature-control technology that keeps them cool under the hot sun, are a first for Coronado, said Mayor Richard Bailey.

“This is the first of its kind in Coronado,” he said. “In addition to providing a more stable setting for mobility-impaired individuals, the surface of these mats is cool to the touch even on hot summer days so they can be used by anyone without burning their feet.”

City staff installed mats at Central Beach, North Beach, dog beach and Glorietta Bay Park.

The mats, which cost about $78,000, will stay at the beach year-round. Because they come in segments, the mats can easily be adjusted depending on the tide and do not need to be removed for repairs.

“We’re just really excited that this project is going to make it easier for people of all activities to enjoy the beach,” Bailey said.