by ASHLEY CULLINANE, NBC 10 NEWS

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is opening the beach to people of all abilities with a variety of wheelchairs designed for sand and water. (WJAR)

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is working to make all state parks wheelchair accessible as the summer season heats up.

At Horseneck Beach in Westport, there are a variety of beach wheelchairs available so those who could not otherwise enjoy a day at the beach can do so.

The chairs are made of PVC pipe and feature a fishing rod holder, a movable arm for transfer and large balloon tires for travel across sand.

Patricia Ainsley spent most of her life like many do in Massachusetts.

"We grew up going to the Cape," Ainsley said.

But trips to the beach stopped when she had her leg amputated.

"It's been a long time, maybe five years," she said.

The great-grandmother's family surprised her by bringing her to the beach. It was their first trip to Horseneck.

"Oh my goodness, look at it!" Ainsley said as she reached the sand. "I just love it. I don't even know how to express it anymore. It's a whole wonderful feeling. I'm going to cry."

There are more than 150 beach wheelchairs across the state, according to DCR Universal Access Program director Thomas McCarthy.

Efforts by the UAP to make the parks and beaches accessible began in 1995.

"It's grown in a tremendous way," McCarthy said.

While UAP receives state funding, McCarthy said organizations have donated chairs in the past. He said the non-profit Smile Mass has donated at least 15 chairs. Some beaches also offer floating wheelchairs called Mobi chairs and have mats leading to the water.

Horseneck Beach clerk Rachel Pichette said getting a wheelchair is simple.

"You just give us a form of ID," Pichette said. "We'll hold onto that until we get the chair back."

Reservations are recommended.

Pichette said Horseneck Beach officials are working to get more chairs for the campground.

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Mass. beaches prioritize accessibility for all - Turn to 10