At Surfrider, we always say the beach belongs to everyone, but access for all isn't always the case along our wild and scenic coastline here in Oregon and around the country. In fact, some of our most treasured beaches and access points are anything but very accessible. Over the past couple of years, "mobi-mats" have been one way communities have been expanding beach access opportunities in places where new or improved infrastructure may not be possible. While not a perfect solution, these mats, and the programs that sustain them, have been fantastic for both increasing access opportunity and engaging new audiences in our shared beach community.
Thanks to some great work and funded projects by the
Oregon Coast Visitor's Association, a new toolkit for installing and managing a mobi-mat program has just been released, featuring some great case studies and a guide for developing a program like this in your community.
For those of us who believe the beach should belong to everyone, the results are deeply encouraging. Communities that have installed Mobi-mats are discovering how meaningful a simple pathway can be. Families reaching the shoreline together, visitors who once watched from afar now rolling or walking out to the sand, neighbors celebrating a more welcoming coast. The joy is real, and it spreads quickly. These mats don’t just improve access; they expand who gets to share in the experience. For beach communities they are proving to be one of the most impactful beach access investments we can make in environmental equity and quality of life.
As part of their continued commitment to accessible travel across Oregon, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association is pleased to share the updated 2026 toolkit:
Bringing Mobi-mats to Your Community: A Step-by-Step Guide. This practical, all-in-one resource covers everything from what Mobi-mats are and where they work best to funding, permitting, installation, maintenance, and marketing.
"The 2024 Mobi-mat toolkit proved to be a great resource, helping launch many coastal Mobi-mat programs," said Lynnee Jack, Communications and Engagement Manager for the Association. "Now, with the addition of a new inland case study and many great new tips for installation and maintenance, we hope this updated toolkit will inspire a new wave of Mobi-mat programs throughout the state. We're excited to see new creative use-cases, and all the ways our partners will continue to expand access."
Check out these great toolkits and see if they may be a good fit for your community!