Grand opening Monday for Kill Devil Hill’s first fully-accessible beach access

A new wheelchair accessible ramp at the Ocean Bay Beach Access in Kill Devil Hills. [Kari Pugh photo]

Kill Devil Hills will host a grand opening and dedication Monday for the town’s first fully-accessible beach access at the Ocean Bay Lifesaving Station.

Improvements to the beach access include a wooden handicap ramp, which allows wheelchairs to get from the beach access’ parking lot to the sand, as well as several fixed position mats and rollout mats that lay over top of the sand, permitting wheelchairs entry onto the beach.

The mats will be set up in a way that allows people in a wheelchair to more easily “set up” their belongings (off of the mat), to enjoy a day at the beach, the town said in a news release. The town has purchased three additional beach wheelchairs for anyone who may need to borrow one — for a total of four.

“The enhancements were done to grant wheelchair-bound persons access to one of our greatest resources, the beach!” the town said.

The access improvements are being dedicated in honor of former town Commissioner William “Bill” M. Pitt, “recognizing his strong community involvement and devotion in Kill Devil Hills,” the town said.

Pitt, in particular, led beach nourishment efforts to ensure the opportunity to enjoy it was available to everyone.

“He was extremely passionate about his community and making Kill Devil Hills a great place to live, work, and play,” the town said.

The North Banks Rotary Club, one of the many community organizations in which Pitt was involved, donated $2,500 to assist the town with the improvements.

The dedication and grand opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Ocean Bay Beach Access, 2013 S. Virginia Dare Trail.

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Kari Pugh is digital director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, 94.5 WCMS and News Talk 92.3 WZPR. Reach her at kpugh@jammediallc.com