Making Rye Beach Foreshore Accessible To All

Rye beach foreshore is a popular picnic and recreational spot, used by people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Birthday parties, picnics, celebrations and major events are all held there. The community-built playground adds to the attraction.
The 1980s seating and picnic facilities are ugly, uncomfortable and don’t cater for people of all mobility abilities. The worn-out facilities detract from the beautiful Bay beach setting.
Installing, contemporary, universal-design picnic tables, bench seats (near the playground & along the Bay Trail) and a wheelchair accessible bubbler will provide a more welcoming recreation venue for adults and children of all mobility abilities.

Anecdotal evidence and a community survey strongly indicate modernisation of the picnic facilities is a priority. Its functionality is only suited to the youngish and able-bodied.
The out-of-date design of the picnic tables means they are difficult to sit at. The one wheelchair accessible table is flawed. There is no bench seating at key points outside the Playground area or at key Bay vista sites. There are no all-accessible bubblers.
The installation of contemporary universal design facilities will bring the foreshore into the 21st century and ensure everyone can enjoy this beautiful space, regardless of their mobility ability.