Bradford Beach celebrated as 'most accessible beach in the nation'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- If you haven't visited Bradford Beach in a while, you may be surprised to see a long mat, looking almost like a small airstrip running to the lakefront. 

This was part of a project designed to improve access to people in wheelchairs at Bradford Beach.

On Friday, June 4, a short celebration was held, marking the first full summer opening of what they're calling the "most accessible beach in the nation."

"No longer does the Oak Leaf Trail end at Lincoln Memorial Drive, but a path that doesn't even look like it's for people with disabilities, but specifically just an entrance to Bradford Beach, has made the beach accessible from the sand to the waterfront," said Damian Buchman of the Ability Center.

Milwaukee's Ability Center was a driving force behind the "Ramp Up" project, which also includes concrete ramps and the free use of beach wheelchairs.