The Haystack Rock Awareness Program interpreters

CANNON BEACH — The Oregon Coast has long been known for its public beaches, but Cannon Beach is taking accessibility to the next level this October by initiating a program making beach wheelchairs available for visitors with mobility challenges.

The Cannon Beach Police Department will facilitate the free check-out and return process for the wheelchairs on the east side of the Cannon Beach City Hall building. Chairs may be reserved by calling 503-436-2811 or emailing police@ci.cannon-beach.or.us.

If needed, guests may also leave their existing wheelchair with the police department while using the beach wheelchair.

This program is a cooperative effort between the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce, Haystack Rock Awareness Program and City of Cannon Beach that was made possible by donations from several locals interested in accessibility for all to local natural areas.

A goal of the beach wheelchair program is to ensure that all kids can participate in educational opportunities presented by the Haystack Rock Awareness Program.

Pooka Rice, outreach coordinator with HRAP said the area around Haystack Rock where their programs are offered is “a classroom unlike any other, and yet there is a section of our population we see perpetually excluded.” The wheelchair program “will simultaneously address the needs of our aging community as well as the school students who have historically been left out of the experience of participation in field trips to Haystack Rock.”

Fundraising is underway for additional wheelchairs, the interchangeable cushioning and future self-checkout lockers to be located at the Gower Street and Tolovana Wayside beach access points. Anyone interested in donating may contact the Haystack Rock Awareness Program at 503-436-8060 or the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce at 503-436-2623.