Council Considers Alternatives to Construction at Graydon for Accessibility

The Ridgewood Village council may scrap possible construction work at Graydon Pool and instead purchase a mobility chair and accompanying mat to improve access conditions.

After , the council last year that would see the construction of handicap ramps. Preserve Graydon Coalition , and instead suggested a beach-based wheelchair as an alternative.

Representing Deschamps Mat Systems, Sebastian Ragon pitched two products he said would meet the needs of those with disabilities as well as ADA standards on Wednesday.

The price is likely to be more favorable to construction, with the village on the hook for $16,000 should it commence concrete walkway ramps.

Dubbed the "Mobi-Mat," the first product is constructed of polester, is wide enough for two chairs to pass by at once, and is available in 33 and 50-foot sections.

The mat allows for easy wheelchair access, is lightweight and durable, Ragon said, adding that sections can be attached to one another. It's highly recommended for Ridgewood's uses, he said. Ragon cited the U.S. Access Board, which toured beach communities to find solutions in access.

"Even though they can't endorse any product, I can bet you if you called them, they would sell you [on] the Mobi-Mat," he said.

The Mobi-Mat would work well in conjuction with the floating "Mobi-Chair," according to the representative. "It's a simple concept...the concept is to bring people with disabilities back into the water," Ragon said.

The chair, also lightweight and weather-proof, would accommodate those who intend to dismount and swim in the pool as well as those who prefer to lounge about.

Transferring from a wheelchair to the Mobi-Chair into and out of the water is easy with the help of a lifeguard or family member, Ragon said in response to questions by Councilman Paul Aronsohn.

"I've seen some people that are able to swim outside the chair and come back into the chair," he said.

Ragon offered the council use of the chair for one month free of charge. With a 10 percent discount, the Mobi-Chair would cost about $1,800.

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