GLOUCESTER – Public Health Director Mary Ellen Rose and Grant Coordinator Jennifer Donnelly are pleased to share that four communities have increased access to recreational areas for those with disabilities and mobility limitations, via a state grant.
The State Department of Public Health awarded the former Cape Ann Mass in Motion a $10,000 Community Health Inclusion Index (CHII) grant earlier this year. The grant funded a study of the population with mobility issues and physical challenges and areas access could be improved.
As a result of the survey, Cape Ann Mass In Motion’s member communities — Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea — were able to use remaining grant funding:
- The City of Gloucester Department of Public Works purchased a beach accessibility mat that will be installed at Good Harbor Beach in 2023, supplementing the state grant with city funding.
- The Town of Rockport is purchasing benches that will be placed along a downtown walking route in the area of Broadway and the Rockport Senior Center.
- The Town of Essex added accessible drinking fountains as part of improvements made at Memorial Park.
- The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea purchased a beach wheelchair, combining town money with grant funds.
“I would like to thank all those who contributed to our survey, and I would especially like to thank Clare Taber, who was instrumental in assisting the City of Gloucester with acquiring a Mobi-Mat beach accessibility mat for Good Harbor Beach,” said Donnelly. “These improvements will help to provide more equitable access to some of our wonderful outdoor spaces for recreation here on Cape Ann.”
