South Haven adds beach wheelchairs for disability access

South Haven, Michigan, is working to improve access to its Lake Michigan shoreline by introducing new equipment and a grant program. In 2024, the town welcomed approximately 2.6 million visitors, with around 158,000 estimated to have a travel-limiting disability. This prompted the local visitor's bureau to enhance accessibility options. As part of this effort, South Haven is adding two beach wheelchairs for rent at city beaches. Visitors can reserve these wheelchairs for free through the SOHA Surf Shop. Jen Sistrunk, the Executive Director of Visit South Haven, expressed that everyone should have access to the beach experience. The South Beach in South Haven alone attracted 184,000 visitors last year, suggesting that many may have had difficulties accessing the lakefront. To address this, the Visit South Haven Accessibility Grant Program is also being launched. This program will offer matching grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofits working on accessibility projects. Possible initiatives include building ramps, providing accessible seating, and enhancing communication with Braille signage. Grant applications for this program are now open, with a deadline of April 30. The funding for these accessibility improvements comes from tourism taxes collected from local lodgings. This year, the South Haven Visitors Bureau is dedicating $130,000 to these efforts, aiming to ensure that South Haven is welcoming to all visitors.