Skip to main content
News

Trams Improve Beach Access at Three Florida Coastal State Parks

Trams Improve Beach Access at Three Florida Coastal State Parks

501(c)(3)

Classification:
Beach Accessibility, Donation

Recipient:
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Lovers Key State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Purpose:
Easier and safer beach access for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
In Partnership with Florida State Parks Association

Media Contact:
Tim Linafelt
Director of Communications
Florida State Parks Foundation

Trams Improve Beach Access at Three Florida Coastal State Parks

Through a partnership of Florida State Parks Foundation and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Lovers Key State Park in Bonita Springs and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach will each receive an 11-passenger tram with space to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices, providing safe, easy access to the beach for people with disabilities.

As part of a longstanding commitment to accessibility in state parks, the Florida State Parks Foundation recently renewed a partnership with the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, whose generous grant will purchase the trams and expand safe access to several of Florida’s world-class beaches. Florida State Parks manages more than 100 miles of beaches, many of which are regularly featured on annual “best-of” lists and rankings.

“We are so grateful to Surfing’s Evolution for making a real difference in our amazing beachfront parks,” said Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation. “As evidenced by their generosity, Surfing’s Evolution is dedicated to preserving our beaches for all time and ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy them.”

Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation is the foundation behind the popular Endless Summer® Specialty License Plate whose proceeds support important coastal programs such as shoreline ecosystem preservation, beach enhancements, clean-up programs, public education and more. The Foundation has previously funded the purchase of more than 60 beach wheelchairs at parks across the state and last year purchased new UTVs and ATVs to assist park rangers with marine and beach resource management.

“Florida’s state parks manage pristine, natural examples of incredible Atlantic and Gulf-front beaches, as well as many diverse and precious surrounding ecosystems,” said Jacquie Youngs, Foundation Administrator for Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation. “Our Foundation is proud to expand access to these amazing beaches and help foster a love for our state’s sun, sand and wildlife.”

Tram at Florida Parks providing better beach access for people with disabilities

The owner of the registered trademark for ENDLESS SUMMER® is Bruce Brown Films, LLC. Bruce Brown is a pioneer in the surf culture and created the classic surf documentary “The Endless Summer®”. Bruce Brown Films, LLC supports the Foundation’s goals, and has graciously allowed the Foundation to use the “Endless Summer®” name for this important fundraising and awareness effort. The Endless Summer® Florida specialty license plate,  Surfing Capital® merchandise, and Endless Summer® specialty license plate sticker were created by Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization as a revenue source to assist with our financial quest to preserve Florida Beaches. All proceeds benefit the Foundation. Endless Summer® is a registered trademark of Bruce Brown Films, LLC and is used under license. The graphic design of the surfer on the beach at sunset is a copyrighted design owned by Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, © 2008. SURFING CAPITAL® is a registered trademark of Ron Jon Surf Shop of Fla., Inc. THE STOKED EXPERIENCE® is a registered trademark of Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation, Inc. A copy of Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Registration no# CH41137.