Early in 2019, a new wheelchair ramp was installed on Jacó beach in the Playa Madrigales section. The ramp measures 63 meters long (206.70 ft.) and was created from 100% recycled sustainable plastics. Locals collected 420,000 #5 plastic lids and 521 kilograms of #4 plastic bags for the project. Thousands of Costa Ricans participated in the 7-month long collection project. As a result, 1,361 kilograms (3,000 pounds) of recycled plastic material was repurposed into something new! However, the new wheelchair ramp is only a part of making the beach accessible.
A fully accessible beach requires other important adjustments. For example, key features should include:
• nearby adapted public transportation
• reserved disabled parking spaces
• adapted locker rooms, showers, and bathrooms
• access ramps that lead to the shore
• shady space
• water resistant crutches and wheelchairs
• flotation devices
• transfer lifts
• auditory and visual attention devices
• buoys to mark the beach area
• trained support staff
Tobías Murillo, Mayor of Garabito, has expressed pride in beginning the Jacó Accessible project. He says members are committed to giving more options to disabled tourists and citizens in need of adaptations throughout the country. The Costa Rican Accessible Tourism Network pledges that all people, regardless of a disability, will be able to use the services and tourist options throughout Costa Rica. This includes accessible destination, lodging and transportation choices, as well as natural and cultural spaces. As a result, many more beaches and other tourist destinations throughout the country are now challenged to follow the example set by Jacó beach.
Ramps and other adapted improvements help make more spaces inclusive to all visitors. Since 15% of people worldwide are disabled in some way, we have more work to do. However, Jacó beach is leading the way in accessible tourism as the very first completely accessible beach in Central America!