Beach visitors who use wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers will now have easier access to Treasure Island’s white sand beaches.

The MobiMat Recpath, looking west.

“We finished putting the MobiMat® Recpath™ in place at about eleven this morning,” said Justin Tramble of the City Recreation Department on April 27. “I went later in the afternoon and there were hundreds of people using this portable walkway, taking photos and videos, and enjoying their new-found access to our beach.”

MobiMat Recpath, looking east.

The MobiMat Recpath was made possible by a $21,175 donation from Gators Café & Saloon, a subsidiary of HCI Group, Inc. Located at Treasure Island Gulf Front Park, 10400 Gulf Boulevard, the MobiMat is made entirely of recycled and recyclable polyester, and is 6.5’ wide and 433 feet long. “Wings” on either side allow wheelchairs and strollers to move out of the main pathway to allow more people to approach the beach.

“We are planning a public ribbon cutting to make its opening official,” added Tramble. “We’ll be sure to let the public know when it’s scheduled.”