Mark Wants Safe Access for All

Submitted By: MarkForCouncil2022@gmail.com – Click to email about this post

I’ve spoken with residents who aren’t able to join many of the activities we often take for granted. Imagine not being able to attend Muttzanita’s beach games, or participate in a beach cleanup activity, or even attend the Farmer’s Market, because the ground is not stable enough to navigate. There’s an affordable product that allows safe access for everyone to beaches and areas with rough ground: Mobi Mats (shop.mobi-mat.com/).

I contacted the Lincoln City Visitor Center recently to learn how we could follow their lead, buy and install the Mobi Mats here in Manzanita. Many communities up and down the coast are now using these mats.

Lincoln City was able to pay for the Mobi Mats with Transient Lodging Tax money earmarked for tourism. The justification was that they would receive publicity value in source markets that would be equal to or greater than the cost of the mats.

The mats can be rolled out in the spring, then rolled back up in the fall, and are compact and easy to store. One side benefit noticed was that more beach visitors used the mats to access the beach, reducing foot traffic on the dunes.

Let’s look at this affordable solution to increasing safe and easy access not only to our amazing shoreline but for events such as the Manzanita Farmers Markets for both residents and visitors!

I’m Mark Kuestner, and I’m asking for one of your votes for the two open City Council positions for Manzanita City Council on November 8. Visit my website, www.MarkForCouncil2022.com to learn more.