The beach at Nye Beach in Newport is now accessible to those facing mobility challenges through the introduction of a special all-terrain mobility track chair. Newport Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the David’s Chair program to provide this unique chair for anyone experiencing limited mobility. The chair can be borrowed during one of several time slots every Monday through Friday, free of charge at Don and Ann Davis City Park, through a simple online registration. Newport Parks and Recreation Department hopes to increase the number of days the chair can be checked out in the summer months.
Newport is the most recent of seven coastal towns to receive a permanent chair from the David’s Chair program, and the organization’s goal is to eventually provide chairs at ten locations along the Oregon Coast. David’s Chair is a 501 c (3) nonprofit that allows people with mobility challenges to use track chairs and Para Golfers in multiple programs at no cost. For more information about David’s Chair or to schedule a time slot to use the new chair, please visit davidschair.org
Additional access for people with limited mobility will also be available soon at Beverly Beach State Park, which is currently under construction and will be closed until spring 2024. When it reopens, the park will offer a Mobi-Mat in the summer months. The Mobi-Mat is basically a moveable strip of hard material that acts like a sidewalk and is laid down on the sand for access by wheelchair and mobility aids.
The Newport Chamber of Commerce is always ready to welcome you to the beach! Visit newportchamber.org for a detailed calendar of events and a list of local businesses that will take care of every aspect of your stay.