Beaches should be accessible to all

I am a disabled father of five. I brought my three youngest kids to the beach on Father's Day, we packed up the car with everything we would need for the day: food and drinks for a picnic, and beach toys for the kids.

We drove straight down Dundee Road to the closest beach, which happens to be Glencoe Beach. Now, I haven't been that beach in over 20 years. We walked halfway down the ramp and to my surprise they told me it was $25 for us to get on the beach, and that was with them letting my twin 4-year-olds in for free which they were supposed to charge me for.

Looking at the excitement on my kids' faces, I couldn't say no, even knowing that $25 would mean one bill not getting paid.

What gives them the right to deny us access to a public beach? Being disabled I have a "golden access pass" from the federal government which gives myself and my family free access to many national parks. At a minimum they should extend the same rights to the beaches.

I called Glencoe Beach and (the woman in charge) told me that if I lived in Glencoe I may be able to get a free pass, but since not I should drive to Chicago, pay for the gas and the parking. She was quite rude about it.

All citizens should have access to all beaches, we pay our taxes now let us in. Everyone should call the Glencoe Park district and voice your opinions.

Brian Marks

Arlington Heights