NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- The City of North Myrtle Beach is proud to announce an exciting partnership with the Adaptive Surf Project, to create a radically inclusive beach access at 46th Avenue South. This initiative will make our beaches more accessible to individuals of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of the ocean.
An official opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 21, at 9 AM at the 46th Avenue South beach access. The public is invited to attend and celebrate this important step toward greater beach accessibility.
“Our organization is calling it a "radically inclusive beach access". This is giving us the idea that beaches are for everyone, including individuals that happen to have disabilities. Our goal is to spread this all over the East Coast and beyond,” said Luke Sharp, Director of Adaptive Surf Project. “If our community can do this, others can too.”
The selected location was chosen due to its ample parking and ongoing improvements, including the construction of a new wooden walkover. The new, radically inclusive beach access will include the following from Memorial Day to Labor Day:
- First-row handicap van-accessible parking (6-8 designated spots).
- A wheelchair-accessible ramp from the parking lot to the toe of the dune.
- A temporary wheelchair-accessible beach mat, donated by the Adaptive Surf Project, which will be rolled out each morning by City staff to provide a smooth path to the hard-packed sand, then rolled back at the end of each day.
- 3-5 beach wheelchairs, also donated by the Adaptive Surf Project, available on-site for guests to borrow as needed.
Mayor Hatley also expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “North Myrtle Beach is dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful coastline. This initiative reflects our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and community partnerships that make a lasting impact.”
Luke Sharp and the Adaptive Surf Project recognize this as the first truly inclusive beach access in South Carolina—a milestone we are incredibly proud to be part of. By working together, we are making North Myrtle Beach a more welcoming and accessible destination for all. The City looks forward to continuing its efforts to enhance inclusivity and ensure that our beaches can be enjoyed by everyone.