From December until March 15, the universal access ramp will be available at Los Marineros beach in Viña del Mar, which aims to promote the right of all people to enjoy the beaches in one of the busiest areas during the summer, and welcomes the elderly and people with disabilities. The structure, which starts from the pedestrian path of Los Marineros beach to almost the seashore, is part of an initiative of Las Salinas together with the concessionaire, in which they had the collaboration of professionals from the Teleton Foundation, with technical guidance for the proper movement of strollers, wheelchairs and all kinds of supports, which allow people to access from the sidewalk to the sandy area safely. Ricardo Labarca, Development Manager of Las Salinas, indicated that “we seek to contribute to the strengthening of Viña del Mar’s friendly, integrating, inclusive identity and quality of life. It seemed important to us to have the ramp again in this sector, which was widely used last year, because it allows people of different ages with reduced mobility, the elderly and anyone who needs it, to enjoy access to the beaches freely and without any impediment. Undoubtedly, we contribute to make more and better community when we care that everyone can access the benefits provided by a coastal city like Viña del Mar. We hope that mobility will always be part of the design in all cities. The composition of the ramp is based on recycled plastic and metal rope, which maintains stability on the sand thanks to metal stakes. The construction of the access was in charge of the company Revalora, which creates different products based on circular economy from recycled plastic. Claudia Asmad, Director of the National Service for the Elderly (SENAMA), added that “one of our main lines of work is the promotion and protection of the rights of the elderly, since they have rights in all areas, such as recreation and free access to natural spaces, such as the beach. The elderly are becoming more and more participative, either as groups or through their own families, so this type of initiative shows them that there is a concern for the elderly to enjoy walking, to be in contact with the sea as in this case, in a safe way and without limitations and of course it is an excellent initiative that guarantees their rights”.
