Manzanillo, a beach town in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, is making waves with its latest innovation: an accessible beach designed to welcome visitors with disabilities and mobility issues. This beach is not just a new destination; it’s a symbol of inclusivity and sustainability.
Inclusive Shores: A Pathway to the Caribbean
Through the efforts of the Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism, the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), and the green-thinking organization Las Buenas Acciones Verdes de Monge, Manzanillo Beach now boasts 33 meters of retractable walkways and an amphibious wheelchair. This infrastructure, made entirely from recycled plastic caps, invites wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges to savor the Caribbean waters like never before.
Eco-Conscious Construction: Turning Waste into Welcome Mats
The remarkable use of recycled materials – plastic caps collected from supermarkets nationwide – in
“Sands of Accessibility: Manzanillo’s Beach Transformation”
Welcome to a game-changing day at Manzanillo, a picturesque beach town on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. In a significant stride towards inclusivity, Manzanillo has unveiled its latest gem: an accessible beach, ready to embrace visitors with disabilities and mobility issues.
Innovative Beach Access: A Path for All
The creation of this accessible paradise is a collaborative masterpiece. The Costa Rican Network of Accessible Tourism, the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), and Las Buenas Acciones Verdes de Monge have worked together to install 33 meters of retractable walkways and an amphibious wheelchair on Manzanillo Beach. This equipment, crafted from 100% recycled plastic lumber made from collected plastic bottle caps, is a testament to the town’s commitment to environmental sustainability and accessibility.
A Movement of Eco-friendly Inclusivity
This project is the third in a series of accessible beach endeavors spearheaded by Las Buenas Acciones Verdes under its DONATAPA initiative. They’ve managed to transform over 9 tons of plastic caps into functional, eco-friendly beach access facilities, now gracing the sands of Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, and Manzanillo.
Custom-built for Comfort: The Amphibious Wheelchair
The amphibious wheelchair, a product of national ingenuity designed by the Accessible Tourism Network, is a marvel of innovation. With its stainless steel components and canvas fabric, it’s tailored for use in salty, brackish water, ensuring comfort and durability.
Community Guardianship: Local Oversight and Management
The upkeep of this accessible beach is entrusted to the Manzanillo Integrated Development Association, supported by the Manzanillo Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and the Municipality of Talamanca. Their commitment ensures that these facilities remain a lasting testament to inclusive tourism.
The Price of Inclusivity: A Worthwhile Investment
Costing around $6,300 USD, this initiative represents a significant investment in social and environmental responsibility. But the potential for increased tourism and the message it sends about Costa Rica’s commitment to inclusivity make it a worthy endeavor.
Unveiling Manzanillo’s Hidden Charm
Long celebrated for its palm-lined beaches and lush rainforests, Manzanillo’s new accessible beach facilities promise to draw an even wider array of visitors, both local and international, to its tropical shores.
Pioneering Accessible Tourism
Manzanillo’s accessible beach is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a beacon of progress, blending environmental consciousness with a commitment to inclusivity. It’s a model for other destinations worldwide, proving that with the right approach, paradise can indeed be accessible to all.
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