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Vol. 8, No. 3 Summer 2000 |
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Accessible Summer Fun
By Dan Fendler, AT Specialist, Kent County
Planning on heading to the beach this summer? Looking for some accessible places to combine sun, fun, and water? Read on.
Beach Access
The Delaware State Parks along the Delaware shore have a number of accessible
ramps and "beach chairs" available. Delaware Seashore State Park
(302-227-2800) has
two accessible beach ramps. One is located at the South Inlet Day area,
just south of the Indian River inlet. The second is located at the north
end of the park, in the Tower Road Ocean Swimming area. There are two beach
chairs available at each location. You are welcome to use the chairs on
your own, or the lifeguards would be happy to assist you. Park personnel
request that you return the chairs to the lifeguard stations when done.
Cape Henlopen State Park (302-645-8983) also has two accessible beach
areas. On the Rehoboth side, there is a ramp at Gordon's Pond. On the Lewes
side, there is a ramp at the Bunker Overlook swimming area. Both sites have
two chairs available. A ramp is also available in Rehoboth. It's not part
of the State park system
and is located in front of the Star of the Sea complex between Brooklyn
and Laurel Streets. There are also beach chairs available there.
The free "beach chairs" are the PVC type with large inflatable tires. If the PVC type of chair won't suit your needs, you may want to check out a more rigid type of chair. Metal rigid frame chairs are available to rent through a local Rehoboth bike shop, Bike To Go (302-227-7600 or check their website at www.biketogo.com). Or you can purchase one through a number of vendors. Check out Access To Recreation's website at www.AccessTR.com (or 800-634-4351).
Boardwalk (St)rolling
The boardwalks in both Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach are accessible. The Bethany ramp is located near the intersection of Garfield and Atlantic. Rehoboth's boardwalk is accessible via a number of the beach access streets. If there have been recent storms (particularly nor'easters), the sidewalks leading to the boardwalk may be partially sand-covered.
Both boardwalks are a great place to grab an ice cream cone and do some serious people watching.
Fishing
If you would prefer to get a hook in the water than your wheels in the sand, there are several accessible fishing locations offered by the Delaware State Park system.
(Above) Accessible fishing pier located at the Indian River
Inlet. (Right) Fishing pier located on the Lewes side of Cape Henlopen State
Park.
At the Indian River Inlet, Delaware Seashore has a small accessible fishing pier available. It is near the park office just north of the Indian River inlet.
On the Lewes side of Cape Henlopen State Park, there is a long fishing pier that extends quite a distance into Delaware Bay. It also has a bait and tackle shop near the pier. You will need to bring your own fishing equipment at both locations.
Accessible fishing equipment is available. One source is Access To Recreation (800-634-4351 or www.AccessTR.com).
Surf Fishing
For the serious fisherman who has a four-wheel drive vehicle, annual surf fishing permits are available. The permits allow you to drive onto the beach in four designated areas of the State Park system. They include Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve and Cape Henlopen State Park (302-645-8983), Delaware Seashore State Park (302-227-2800) and Fenwick Island State Park (302-539-1055). You will need your own beach chair in all locations. All surf fish permit holders must be actively engaged in surf fishing when the vehicle is out on the beach. Check with the State Park system for questions, hours and additional regulations.
Marinas
While not specifically designed to be accessible, many marinas (especially those with floating docks) are accessible. The Indian River Marina located in the Delaware Seashore State Park has accessible ramps leading to their floating docks. It's a great place to check out the boats. One word of caution: the docks do not have guardrails.
So grab your sunscreen and favorite companion and head on down to the beach!
Ramp to marina at Indian River
