JT's Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground For EveryBODY is the first of its
kind in America. The idea was born when Josh Thompson's family wanted to go to
the beach, but he stayed behind because of the difficulty of getting his
wheelchair to the beach, across the sand and down to the surf. They wondered how
many more people never got to the beach for the same reason. The park idea was
born.
Bruce Thompson, Josh's dad, took the idea of a 100% handicap accessible
oceanfront park to the City of Virginia Beach where it was embraced with
enthusiasm. Land was allocated and plans submitted to the City of Virginia
Beach. The park's grand opening took place May 22, 2010.
JT Walk & Beach Party will continue its work this year with a portion of the
money going toward an endowment for the park's maintenance and improvements.
