UPDATE: South Inlet Park Gets New Beach Access Mat as County Expands Mobility-Friendly Beach Paths
RIVIERA BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A new accessibility project aimed at expanding who can comfortably reach the sand is coming to Palm Beach County’s public beaches, with a ribbon cutting set next month in Riviera Beach.
The Parks Foundation of Palm Beach County will unveil its Beach Access Mat Project on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at Ocean Reef Park, a county-operated beachfront park at 3860 North Ocean Drive. The ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m.
The initiative adds five new beach access mats across county-operated beaches. The mats are designed to make it easier to navigate from the beach entrance toward the shoreline for people with mobility challenges, as well as for families pushing strollers and other visitors who struggle with loose sand.
The Parks Foundation is leading the project in partnership with Florida Power & Light and the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, according to the organizations.
County parks officials have emphasized that beach access is not just a shoreline issue, but a public space issue. For many residents and visitors, the challenge is not getting to the park, but getting onto the beach once they arrive. A stable access mat can be the difference between watching from a distance and actually participating in a day at the water.
Organizers describe the mat rollout as a milestone project that reflects a collaboration between philanthropy, private-sector support, and county operations. The stated goal is to build outdoor spaces that work for people of all ages and abilities, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
The event will take place at Ocean Reef Park, which is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department. The department is part of a nationally accredited park system recognized for recreation management and provides programs and services for residents across age groups and ability levels.
For residents, the practical takeaway is simple: more county beaches will be easier to access, and the changes are designed to be felt on routine visits, not just during special events. People who rely on mobility aids and families hauling beach gear or pushing strollers are expected to see the most immediate benefit once the mats are in place.
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