City buys a beach wheelchair

The city has purchased a floating beach wheelchair as part of upgrades being made to Pointe des Chenes Day Park, members of the parks and recreation advisory committee learned this week.

With help from a $60,000 improvements grant, a $3,400 MobiChair has been acquired for use at the park, Virginia McLeod, the city's manager of recreation and culture, told the meeting.

$8,500 is also being spent for special mats allowing the wheelchair to easily access the water from a change room.

The chair's pneumatic tires and armrests ensure that it floats.

It can be used on both sand and soft surfaces.

It can also be used with a tethered rope for added safety.

"Users are able to recline in a comfortable position while riding, bathing or sitting for extended periods of time," the manufacturer says.

"The armrests and wheels are comprised of buoyant materials that enable balance while bathing in the water. The integrated handles on the armrests provide added stability while enjoying the ride on land or in the water."

Other improvements to Pointe des Chenes Day Park include:

• adding accessible parking spots
• adding in-door actuators into the washroom and the change facilities in the main building