Background
Local resident and lifelong surfer, Josh Thompson, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Josh’s condition left him wheelchair-bound preventing him from joining his family on the beach. His father presented the notion of a 100% handicapped accessible oceanfront park to City leaders.
Right Now
This fully accessible park is built adjacent to the boardwalk between 1st and 2nd streets allowing individuals with disabilities to easily maneuver across the beach to the ocean. Grommet Island Park, a 15,000 square foot accessible play area on the beach, is the first of its kind in America. It features soft play structures, wheelchair accessible seating, accessible surf-themed play structures and more. Additional details can be found at
www.grommetisland.org.
Future Plans
The 2011 planned improvements include a new restroom, additional sponsorship signage acknowledging the fund raising accomplishments, and new shade canopies.