CITY OF HOLLYWOOD IS FIRST TO INSTALL MOBI-MATS – NEW ADA TECHNOLOGY COMES TO THE BEACH

In January 2009 the City of Hollywood received a Department of Environmental Protection permit authorizing the first approved installation of Mobi-Mat RecPaths within the State. Mobi-Mats are semi-permeable mats, meeting the American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements that are designed to offer wheelchair users safe and efficient access to beaches. The City hosted a 2-year pilot project to allow the State’s environmental agency the opportunity to gather data on the ecological impact of this new technology. Four mats were permitted to be located along the Hollywood Beach broadwalk at Tyler Street, New York Street, Johnson Street and Connecticut Street under strict maintenance conditions. The City was required to provide an assessment of the project at the end of each turtle season. The assessment material included documentation of installation, storms, or significant events; documentation of interactions or effects on nesting sea turtles or hatchlings; and documentation of mats’ effectiveness as an ADA access tool. During the last two turtle seasons, no negative interactions were reported and the mats became a popular amenity on Hollywood Beach. The pilot project was successfully completed in January 2011, allowing the City to continue with this project. As the first permit holder in the State, Hollywood continues to set the precedent for cities in Florida and hopes to help spread this program to all of Broward’s beaches along the A1A Scenic Highway. For more information contact Manuel Pila mpila@hollywoodfl.org.