Oregon Coast Accessibility is Working, Winning Lincoln City Some Awards

Published 03/26/26 at 5:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) - A coastwide push to make Oregon’s shoreline more accessible is gaining momentum, with Lincoln City emerging as one of the leading communities in the state advancing inclusive travel initiatives.

At the 2026 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism, the Governor’s Award was presented to Oregon Coast Travelability, a regional partnership focused on improving access for residents, workers, and visitors of all abilities. Explore Lincoln City is among the active partners in the effort, which has collectively secured more than $1.3 million in Travel Oregon grant funding for accessibility upgrades along the coast.

The town's investments are clearly visible – with many more able to engage in the area's recreational possibilities since at least a year ago.

Explore Lincoln City received Travel Oregon funding to support accessibility verifications through Wheel the World, an online platform that helps travelers with disabilities plan trips with reliable, detailed information. Lincoln City Parks and Recreation has also leveraged grant support to build the Oregon coast’s first fully inclusive playground at Schooner Creek Discovery Park.

The city has expanded its long-running Beach Wheelchair Program, offering complimentary beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis, and has adopted KultureCity sensory bags to support visitors with sensory sensitivities. Additional improvements are underway as phases two and three of Schooner Creek Discovery Park move forward, including the installation of Hearing Loops for people with hearing loss.

Accessibility Oregon Coast: More in Lincoln City, Gold Beach, Seaside, Rockaway Beach, Others - "Mobi-mats, sidewalks, wheelchairs, more

A new Welcome Center at D River is to break ground soon, featuring Hearing Loops, beach wheelchairs, and EnChroma glasses for visitors with colorblindness.

“Partnering with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association’s Travelability Group and receiving the Governor’s Award is an honor,” said Kim Cooper Findling, director of Explore Lincoln City. “Our goal is to make the Oregon Coast a more accessible place to live, work, and visit. By investing in accessibility, we improve the visitor experience, support residents, and strengthen the local economy.”

Oceanview Park, above Lincoln City beaches (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Seasonal improvements are still rolling in along this shoreline. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, 900 feet of ADA-compliant Mobi-mats return. These-portable, non-slip pathways are made from recycled polyester and provide easier access at three major beach entry points. Accessible viewpoints at Roads End State Recreation Site and the Siletz Bay pier offer additional options for visitors with limited mobility.

More information about accessible locations and planning resources is available at explorelincolncity.com.

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