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At the Marco Island Residents’ Beach, MICA has attempted to make the property and facilities as handicapped-friendly as possible.

You remember a couple of year’s back that the old stilt building with the very steep ramps was torn down and a new pavilion was built. Our beach pavilion was constructed under ADA standards, of course. But, in addition, great thought was put into making the building as easy as possible for those with disabilities.

At the beach end of the boardwalk a handicapped platform was constructed approximately six years ago. Several touches make this area especially pleasant. A chickee is situated in the center, thereby providing shade, which is so important in Florida! Rather than placing bulky railings around the entire platform, a MICA board member and engineer suggested installing cables along the section fronting the beach. What a simple and wonderful idea that was! Now those sitting in wheelchairs or on a bench on the platform look out at the Gulf of Mexico and sandy white beach of Marco Island instead of a four inch thick railing.

For years MICA has been supplying members and their guests with beach wheelchairs. The chairs are made of PVC and large balloon tires that make them sand friendly. They are in continual use 365 days a year. Two wheelchairs are placed near the restrooms each morning and a third, older chair is put into use if necessary. Any member or his or her guest is welcome to seat a loved one in a wheelchair and head toward the sand.

Members have sent us pictures of their mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, and children and grandchildren in the wheelchairs in the sand. Those in the chairs almost always have smiling faces. A few have told us that their loved one had never (I repeat, never) dangled his toes in the Gulf of Mexico before, and they were just absolutely thrilled. When I say “they,” I am referring to the member doing the pushing and the child or adult in the wheelchair. The beach wheelchairs bring joy to many.

MICA recently put out a call to members for donations to purchase new beach wheelchairs. As with everything else situated along the beachfront, the salt air, sand and salt water are extremely harsh on the wheelchairs. MICA must replace the chairs every couple of years.

A good Samaritan has come forward and donated a wheelchair in honor of her husband, Gene Gehl, and her friend and neighbor, Jim Greeley, Sr.

Barbara Gehl said that, “Mr. Greeley’s use of the beach wheelchair sparked my interest in donating one.” Mrs. Gehl realized how important the wheelchairs are to so many members and their guests, and she did not want anyone to be without the use of a sand wheelchair.

The Marco Island Civic Association thanks Mrs. Gehl for considering Residents’ Beach members and their guests who may utilize the beach wheelchairs. It is a gift that brings joy to so many individuals.

If you’d like to donate a beach wheelchair or would like information regarding Residents’ Beach, please call 642-7778.