As part of their fall grant cycle, the Chelsea Groton Bank has awarded to the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation $1,500 to be used toward the purchase of an ADA compliant beach accessibility surface mats to allow wheelchair access to the Niantic Boardwalk beaches.
Since 1999, The Chelsea Groton Foundation has provided over $2.3 million in total grants to the community. These grants are awarded to organization that impact the region in health, human and social services, education, economic development, and arts and culture.
Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank noted, “Through the Chelsea Groton Foundation, we are able to support non-profits who play a critical role in our communities.”
Kathie Cassidy is the chairperson, who has organized the project to install mats on the beach. She commented, “It is the desire of the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation to make Niantic Bay Beach and Hole in the Wall Beach a wheelchair-accessible, friendly place. We want to allow people with mobility impairment to visit and enjoy these beaches.”
Cassidy is continuing to solicit grants from other entities for this project. The Public Trust Foundation is hoping to have the mats installed this spring.