Myrtle Beach Launches Free Beach Wheelchair Program

Myrtle Beach City Council approved $125,000 in Tuesday's first reading to launch a beach wheelchair program offering free access to 16 wheelchairs at four coastal locations.

The Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department will install automated lockers at 15th Avenue South, Second Avenue North, 26th Avenue North and 53rd Avenue North. Each locker holds four wheelchairs. All four sites have handicap parking and accessible beach walkovers.

The initial $125,000 covers wheelchair and locker purchases. Annual maintenance costs $12,000 after the first year. Staff will determine rental terms, such as four-hour or 24-hour windows, before launch.

The Parks Department is pursuing permits for a beach access mat at 15th Avenue South. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services must approve the location. The project should take roughly two months pending approval.

Council must hold a second reading before final authorization. The full presentation is available on the city's website under Council Documents.