The South Haven Visitors Bureau is proud to announce two major initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility for visitors with disabilities: the launch of the Visit South Haven Accessibility Grant Program and the donation of two beach wheelchairs to the City of South Haven. These efforts align with the bureau’s mission to make the community a more welcoming and inclusive destination for all.
The Visit South Haven Accessibility Grant Program will provide matching grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that improve visitor accessibility. Eligible projects may include physical upgrades such as ramps and accessible seating, communication enhancements like Braille signage and hearing loops, and sensory-friendly initiatives. Grant applications are now open, with a submission deadline of April 30, 2025.
As part of its broader commitment to accessibility, the bureau is also donating two beach wheelchairs to the City of South Haven to improve shoreline access for visitors with mobility challenges. According to Placer.ai visitation data, South Haven welcomed 2.6 million visitors in 2024, and based on U.S. Department of Transportation data, an estimated 158,000 of those visitors had a travel-limiting disability. South Beach alone saw 184,000 visitors, meaning more than 11,000 individuals may have faced challenges accessing the lakefront.
“Something as simple as feeling the sand and water should not be a privilege—it should be accessible to everyone,” said Jen Sistrunk, Executive Director of Visit South Haven. “These beach wheelchairs will ensure that visitors with mobility challenges can enjoy Lake Michigan alongside their family and friends.”
These accessibility initiatives are made possible through dedicated tourism funding, primarily generated by assessments collected from lodging in South Haven. The South Haven Visitors Bureau reinvests a portion of these funds directly into the community, supporting projects that enhance visitor experiences and improve quality of life for both residents and visitors. This year, the South Haven Visitors Bureau has committed $130,000 toward accessibility improvements throughout the area, ensuring that South Haven remains a destination that welcomes everyone.
The bureau is covering the full cost of the wheelchairs, and storage, while SOHA Surf Shop has generously offered to manage the reservation system and distribution at no cost to the City of South Haven or users.
For more information about the Visit South Haven Accessibility Grant Program or the beach wheelchair initiative, visit www.southhaven.org or contact Jen Sistrunk at (269) 637-5252 or jsistrunk@southhaven.org.
