Photos & Story By Bill Hassell
A younger guest expressed it perfectly by saying, “It’s like we’re in Jurassic Park.”
The second most frequented destination in Rockaway Beach is the Nature Preserve, known locally as The Big Cedar. To reach this stunning Western Red Cedar, visitors can walk along a boardwalk that stretches more than half a mile in either direction. As people venture deep into the ancient forest, the atmosphere grows serene, prompting hushed conversations. However, for older guests, there wasn’t a resting spot until they reached the halfway mark or found themselves at the Big Cedar.
All of this changed with the installation of two specially crafted benches by the Rockaway Public Works. Along the boardwalk, there are multiple turnouts designed to facilitate wheelchair navigation. Nevertheless, placing a bench in those areas would hinder wheelchair users from passing through. Collaborating with the bench maker Pilot Rock, a distinctive design was developed that allowed the bench to extend beyond the edge. This initiative aimed to provide a place for people to relax and appreciate the wetland surroundings while maintaining sufficient space for passage.
Rockaway Public Works successfully set up the benches, enhancing the walkway with an additional accessibility feature.