New facilities have been installed at a country park to help it better cater for people with disabilities.
A special toilet and new changing facilities were this week opened at Gedling Country Park to make it a fully accessible for people with severe disabilities.
The newly installed Changing Places toilet is the first of its kind in the borough, and one of only 1,000 across the country. It will meet the needs of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis who often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.
The facilities next to the newly opened Café 1899 were built by G F Tomlinson and will include height adjustable changing benches, a tracking hoist system, space for disabled people and carers, a central toilet and a non-slip floor. Access to the facilities will be available with a radar key.
The installation is part of a wider ranging promise made by the council to make the destination country park accessible to all. The pathways around the 200 acre site are compliant with legal requirements for the disabled which includes wide pathways for wheelchairs, easy access including ramps and radar key doors, disabled parking bays and the children’s play area was also designed to ensure children with disabilities can enjoy the park too.
Craig Stopper, Framework Manager at G F Tomlinson said “This has been a project that the team at G F Tomlinson has been proud to have delivered. Every aspect of this new centre has been created with inclusivity in mind and with the aim to bring everyone in the community together. Specialist facilities like these will have a positive impact on the lives of the people who use them and I’m confident will be used for years to come.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor John Clarke said “When we initially designed the new visitor centre and café it was of vital importance that we provide facilities for the disabled and the Changing Places toilet is an excellent facility and the only one of its kind in the borough. This alongside the other things we’ve done makes this park a truly accessible park that is open and available for everyone to enjoy.”
Whilst I believe that the interior design is laudable, and has achieved the aim of catering for all, I cannot bring myself to accepting the exterior ‘design’ as anything but hideous ! Could a more attractive design not have been built ? As it is, it is just an oblong uninspiring bock ! It hardly looks in keeping with a Country Park ! Even a ‘Blot on the Landscape’ !
regards, Gill , Gedling.
I agree. Architects have really lost the plot, not just here but in many other places.
Totalĺy agree. Hardĺy inspiring! I think a 9yr old child would have thought up something more imaginative.