Houghton Adds a New Wheelchair to Kestner Park and Houghton Beach

Houghton helps make recreation in the city more accessible. Recently the city of Houghton secured funding from the Copper Shores Community Wellness and Recreation Fund and Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw to purchase a beach wheelchair for Kestner Park and Houghton Beach. The equipment will make it easier for individuals with disabilities to also enjoy a sunny day by the water in Houghton.

Traditional wheelchairs have thin heavy wheels that do not travel well on loose sand. The new beach wheelchair uses balloon-like wheels to disperse weight more evenly and makes it easier to navigate on uneven terrain. The city will limit use to two hours so more people can enjoy using the new equipment.

City Manager Eric Waara says that when Jen Schaud from Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw approached the city with the idea in 2023 the city was grateful for her dedication to the project and helping the city source funds. Jen Schaud from ELK says that the beach wheelchair is a first for the area and will greatly improve recreation opportunities for the disabled community of the Copper Country.

The city does have a signup sheet posted at Kestner Park inside Portage Paddle Sports for those interested in using the new beach wheelchair.