Racer wants unimpeded handicapped access to Tobay

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Last summer, when the bicycle path running from Cedar Creek Park in Wantagh to Jones Beach was extended another 3.6 miles to reach the entrance of Tobay Beach in Massapequa, many heralded the project as a great addition to the distinctive recreational options available to Long Islanders. But then Oyster Bay town residents began to complain about errant bicyclists in the Tobay parking lot and beach areas. So fences were put up, a turnstile was installed, and a locked gate was put in last month to allow pedestrians access, but to keep bicyclists out.

This seemed like a great solution to most, but not to Malvernite Peter Hawkins.

Hawkins, well-known throughout the country as a handicapped professional athlete and winner of numerous competitions, including the Long Island Marathon, says the town’s access barriers discriminate against people with disabilities who can’t freely walk through the turnstile at any time, and he wants the locked gate and turnstile removed.

Marta Kane, a town spokesperson, points out that there is a phone number on the gate for handicapped people to call when they would like to enter Tobay. People simply need to call the number, press option 1, and someone will answer to come unlock the gate.

Hawkins said, however, he has tried the number many times in the past and no one has answered, although recently, the Herald has called the number several times and someone has answered the phone each time.

“Why do handicap people have to call them for permission? That’s discriminatory,” said Hawkins. “And what if you don’t have a cell phone to call the number on the sign for access to the park? If I’m in my racing chair, I don’t have a phone with me.”

Hawkins is also concerned about the phone number on the gate sign, which advises people to call for access during business hours. “What happens when the summer is over, and they don ‘t have business hours? questioned Hawkins. “You can’t go through there.”

An inquiry to the town regarding Tobay’s business hours on and off-season has not been answered as of the closing of this newspaper.

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