Parks staff to draft OPDMD policy after committee raises beach and trail access questions

Parks and Recreation staff told the Access Advisory Committee they will draft a policy to clarify where larger mobility devices are appropriate in city parks and beaches, responding to committee members who asked for clearer guidance for users of adaptive or custom mobility devices.

"I do actually think it would be appropriate to have a policy," Parks & Rec Director Jill Zachary said, adding staff want to consider safety, speed, protection of natural resources and pathway width when defining allowable devices. Zachary emphasized a policy approach rather than an ordinance because policy can be implemented more quickly.

Committee members described scenarios that motivated the discussion: one committee member is building a custom all-terrain mobility device intended for sand access to Henry's Beach and is concerned staff or a ranger could stop the device once it is in use. Another member described using a three-wheel electric tricycle in preserves with no reported enforcement problems.

Committee members pressed staff not to limit devices by motor wattage, saying some mobility devices require higher power to traverse sand. "I would really like to see that not be a consideration in limiting the OPDMDs... I have geared it down to keep it slow," one committee member said.

Zachary noted the city already offers electric beach wheelchairs at the Cabrillo Pavilion and said a policy would allow staff to spell out where and why certain mobility devices are allowed while protecting public safety and natural resources. She offered to draft policy language and work with an ad hoc committee to refine guidance for the committee's review.

No ordinance or formal rule change was adopted at the meeting; staff committed to preparing a draft policy and, if helpful, convening an ad hoc committee for committee members to review proposed language and safety parameters.