The County of Humboldt is proposing to install a 5-foot-wide polyester mat along the beach access corridor at the northern parking lot of Clam Beach County Park to enable individuals with mobility disabilities to travel to the edge of the beach. Two public meetings have been scheduled this week at the north lot of the park to view examples of the mat and discuss compatibility issues. Stakeholders, including representatives from the disability community, beach users and emergency responders were contacted in January about the meetings, and this notice is to inform the wider community.
Meeting dates and times are as follows:
- Thursday, Feb. 17, from 1-2 pm
- Friday, Feb. 18, from 1-2 pm
About the mat:
The mat would be placed as a series of removable and adjustable segments. A removable access mat is proposed, rather than a fixed structure, to reduce environmental and aesthetic impact and to provide more flexibility for adjustment in response to changing conditions. Similar beach access mats are in place at Muir Beach and Stinson Beach within Golden Gate National Recreational Area and several beaches in Southern California.
At Clam Beach, the proposed project includes maintaining a path of bare sand at least 5 feet wide next to the mat. The product is designed to allow horses and emergency vehicles to cross and travel. The mat also requires ongoing maintenance and adjustment to account for high tides and blowing sands.
The proposed beach access mat at Clam Beach County Park is part of the County of Humboldt’s efforts to provide recreational access for all visitors to the greatest possible extent and to bring all county-owned and leased facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings to see the beach mats in person and share input. Feedback regarding compatibility with other beach uses is especially encouraged.
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For more information, contact:
Travis Smith, Project Manager, County Administrative Office - ADA Team
707-476-2388
tsmith@co.humboldt.ca.us
