Beach Accessibility Project
Thanks to a generous donation from Corona Canada and in close cooperation with the City of Parksville, Access Oceanside was able to make the beach at Parksville Community Park accessible to all.
The Mobi-mats and Beach Wheelchairs have been in place on Parksville Beach since July 2024, allowing everyone to access and enjoy our world-famous beach.
On July 24, 2024, accessible change came to Parksville Beach with the installation of mobi-mats and beach wheelchairs.
Mobi-mats, or "beach mats", cross the soft sand and rocks ending on the hard-packed sand to allow persons using mobility devices to safely access the beach. The funding was provided by Corona Canada through its Accessing Paradise Pledge and also included two beach wheelchairs which may be reserved free of charge through The Beach Club Resort.
“Our sincere thank you to Corona Canada for this generous donation. We look forward to seeing how this project helps to improve accessibility at Parksville Bay beach.”
Mayor Doug O'Brien
Mobi-Mats
The starting point for the Mobi-mats is the access ramp just in front of the waterfront gazebo at the Parksville Community Park.
They stretch out for 100 feet crossing the soft sand and rocks to allow persons walking or using mobility devices to reach the hard-pack sand during low tide.
In addition there is a 33 foot cross-section where people with mobility challenges can enjoy spending time on the beach.
They are deployed on a seasonal basis starting as early as May until October – weather permitting.
In 2025 after a successful pilot project, The City of Parksville assumed ownership of the Mobi-mats and take care of all operational aspects including installation, removal and winter storage. They are now a permanent service provided for safe access to the beach for all residents and visitors.
Beach Wheelchairs
The Mobi-chair is designed to be pushed/pulled by an adult attendant along the beach; they cannot be self-propelled.
The armrests and tires allow it to be a floatation device in the water so the user can enjoy the shallow warm waters of Parksville Beach during the summer.
Through a partnership arrangement with the Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association, the chair is managed by The Beach Club Resort located at the western end of the beach at 181 Beachside Drive in Parksville.
It is available from May to October at no charge, on a rental basis for up to two hours.
It can be reserved in advance by contacting The Beach Club Resort front desk at +1-250-248-8999 or by eMail to beachclub@bellstar.ca.
For more information, download the Parksville Mobi-chair information sheet.