Northampton receives floating beach wheelchair for Musante Beach
The nonprofit SMILE Mass selected Northampton as one of five communities in this year's grant program.
NORTHAMPTON — A floating beach wheelchair arrived at Musante Beach in Leeds on July 21, expanding water access for people with disabilities. Northampton received the wheelchair through the SMILE Mass 2026 Beach Wheelchair Grant Program, which distributes accessible equipment to public beaches and ponds across New England.
SMILE Mass, a nonprofit that runs inclusive recreation programs for people with disabilities and their families, has donated more than 180 floating beach wheelchairs to communities throughout the region since launching the effort. The wheelchair uses large balloon tires and can be pushed by a companion into the water, with floating armrests to help users stay buoyant. Northampton was one of five communities selected in this round of the grant program.
Parks and Recreation Director Ann-Marie Moggio said interest in the wheelchair has already emerged. "When we were awarded it, we thought wow this is amazing. Yesterday, we even got a phone call from someone who said, 'how can I reserve it for when I come up?'" Moggio told the Reminder. She said residents interested in using the wheelchair can contact the Parks and Recreation Department.
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra attended the delivery and credited Moggio and Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Shelby Michna for securing the grant. "This means so much to us to be able to provide this kind of access here at Musante," Sciarra said. "I love the idea that it is going to light a fire in folks to think about accessibility in different ways in recreation areas."
Todd Civin, senior director of operations for SMILE Mass, delivered the equipment and said the program demonstrates how municipalities prioritize inclusion. "It speaks of what good people you are because you think about people who are less fortunate than yourselves," Civin said. He noted that SMILE Mass donates approximately 20 beach wheelchairs annually.
Musante Beach, in its 36th season, will house the wheelchair. More information about the equipment and SMILE Mass's work is available at www.smilemass.org.