P.E.I. beach is now wheelchair accessible

Prince Edward Island National Park officially opened for the season Friday, with some upgrades and additions for people with disabilities.

Visitors to the park’s popular Brackley Beach will notice a new pedestrian ramp this season. The $500,000 structure is designed to make the beach more accessible to wheelchairs.

"We've decided one of the things we needed to do at Brackley Beach was provide accessible access to the beach so that everyone could enjoy it," said Frances Gertsch, manager of visitor experience for the park.

The ramp that was previously in place was too steep to be used easily. The new ramp is wider, longer and sturdier.

Advocates for people with disabilities applaud the changes at Brackley, but say they would like to see the federal government go further.

"We would like to see all beaches in the national parks accessible," said Marcia Carroll, executive director of the P.E.I. Council of People with Disabilities. "There's always the struggle between preserving the environment and making it accessible."

People with disabilities will also be able to use a beach wheelchair for free. The specially designed chair is water resistant and has wheels that move easily through sand.

The ramp and chair are just two of several upgrades at the beach this season. Visitors will also see improved washrooms and shower facilities.

Park fees remain the same as last year at just under $20 for a family day permit.

Park officials expect nearly 400,000 visitors to come to the national park this summer.