The beaches of Jupiter are unique to some, but home to so many more. Free from the concrete jungles that exist in most of South Florida, the local beaches boast natural vegetation and wildlife that also call the sands their home.  Its pristine nature even makes it one of the most popular beaches for sea turtles in nesting season.

However, accessing Jupiter’s beaches from Ocean Drive has been difficult for people who use wheelchairs or who struggle to walk.  With approximately a 12-foot drop between Ocean Drive and the beach, staircases were originally put in place to keep beachgoers from treading through and protect the natural sea oats and sea grape trees.

The town of Jupiter has now committed $750,000 to provide access to beaches on three new, wide wooden walkovers from State Road A1A to the sand. With waist-high railings on both sides, the step-less walkovers comply with standards set by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. The walkovers (ramps) are all south of Carlin Park at Jupiter’s dog beach at access points 31, 45 and 48. An additional ramp will be added at beach access 52.

The residents of Jupiter are committed to building a more inclusive community for all of its neighbors.  With the assistance of municipal leaders, they have come together to create inclusive solutions like these new beach access points.  While there are wheelchair-accessible paths located at county beaches within the town including Ocean Cay, DuBois Park and Carlin Park, these new ramps will provide additional access to the town’s beauty for all to enjoy.

 

Photo Credit: Greg Lovett