MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. — Richard Jones and his girlfriend Samantha McMurray are overjoyed to be walking and riding on the beach together for the first time, thanks to a free beach wheelchair rental provided by the City of Muskegon and the Department of Public Works.
"The track chair opens up opportunities, it gives people a chance to see there is a chance that they can go out on the beach and can live a normal life,” Richard Jones said.
The city announced two new wheelchairs were available to be reserved by beachgoers, and Samantha chose the Action Trackchair that was readily available as soon as she and her boyfriend Richard got to Pere Marquette Park after a 13-hour drive from home in South Carolina to visit some friends.
“I've heard about it being out there, but I've never actually been on it,” Samantha McMurray said. We've tried to reserve it but it's never worked out because they only have one back at home and they transport from a place far out and you have to call ahead of time and schedule it.”
Muskegon's Department of Public Works says beachgoers can reserve the trackchair or the Mobi-chair. Both are completely free, they said it's an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the beach to the fullest. For Samantha, that’s exactly what she's been able to do.
Muskegon is now one of the beaches in West Michigan with the proper equipment to allow people with disabilities to enjoy the beach like everyone else.
"I think just the accessibility and allowing people to get out on the beach to enjoy the beautiful summer days with their families where they normally wouldn't be able to, so the track chair is a great idea,” David Hull said.
Samantha is now able to enjoy the beach with her boyfriend, something she's not able to do back at home since resources are either far away, or simply not available.
"I think it's important because people like me want to get out and do things just like everybody else, but things like this make it easier to do that because there's some places I can't even go or access because of my disability, and this chair helps stop that. It gives me a reason to get out and do things instead of just sitting home and watching other people do it."
To reserve a wheelchair, call the Department of Public Works at 231-724-4100. Reservations are free of charge but require you to call 48 hours in advance of your intended reservation date.