Bonaire wheelchair friendly: An important step in accessibility
Bonaire is improving accessibility with an innovative wheelchair ramp at Isidel Beach Park. This facility enables independent swimming. The project inspires other locations on the island to develop facilities for people with disabilities and become more widely accessible.
Bonaire is taking a big step toward inclusivity with the opening of its first wheelchair-friendly ramp. This special facility, located in the Isidel Beach Park, allows wheelchair users easy access to the water. With the Bonaire wheelchair-friendly initiative, Bonaire is demonstrating its increasing focus on accessibility and ease of use.
What makes Bonaire wheelchair friendly?
The heart of this project is a specially designed ramp in Isidel Beach Park. The concrete path extends to the water’s edge, with an innovative plastic grid at the end. This keeps the surface safe, even with algae growth. This is ideal not only for people with disabilities, but also for snorkelers and divers who want to enter the water safely. Fred Burchartz, a volunteer from the Netherlands, played a key role in the realization of this project.
The role of Fred Burchartz
Fred Burchartz combines his experience at Sailwise and sHeerenloo with his passion for inclusiveness. He helped build this unique ramp and emphasizes how important it is for everyone to be able to enjoy the water. The ramp at Isidel Beach Park is designed to allow wheelchairs to enter the water to a depth of 1.20 meters. This allows people with disabilities to swim independently.
Future plans: More wheelchair-friendly facilities
A similar ramp is under construction at Parke Tului. Although it does not provide access to the water, the initiative shows that there is growing attention to accessibility on Bonaire. This may inspire other resorts and recreation areas to develop wheelchair-friendly facilities as well.
Why is this important for Bonaire?
Bonaire is known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. Yet there were few facilities for the people with a disability. The new ramp offers not only practical benefits, but also symbolizes a broader shift toward inclusivity. It is a first step toward an island that is accessible to all.
Tips for a wheelchair-friendly visit to Bonaire
- Choose suitable accommodations: Check for amenities such as ramps and adapted bathrooms.
- Enjoy snorkeling and diving: Use the wheelchair-friendly ramp at Isidel Beach Park to safely enter the water.
- Visit multiple beaches: Although not all beaches are accessible, this ramp offers an example of what is possible.
Inspiration for other locations
Fred Burchartz hopes this project will inspire other areas of Bonaire. With more attention to accessibility, resorts and parks can attract a wider audience. The message is clear: everyone deserves the chance to enjoy Bonaire’s natural beauty.
With initiatives such as the wheelchair-friendly ramp at Isidel Beach Park, Bonaire is proving that it is serious about inclusivity. This is just the beginning of a future in which the island becomes truly accessible to all.