Barnstable Recreation Department wins approval to expand beach-accessibility matting to three town beaches.

BARNSTABLE --

TOWN -- The Barnstable Conservation Commission voted unanimously on July 21 to approve three requests from the Town of Barnstable Recreation Department to install seasonal accessibility mats at Craigville Beach, Covell's Beach and Veterans Beach. A department representative told the commission the mats are staked into the sand each spring and removed in the fall, and that they have "no impact on the beach, only a benefit to gain more access for people that need it." Speakers during public comment, including a resident who described using the mats as a person with a disability, said the walkways also help families with strollers and other beachgoers. The Barnstable Disability Commission has contributed funding toward the mats, which the department representative said are costly -- roughly $10,000 for the Craigville installation alone. The commission approved all three requests as negative determinations, clearing the way for the mats to go down for the season.

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