As part of the continual upgrade of park facilities across the region, Armagh Banbridge Craigavon District Council has secured another Changing places to add to their increasing portfolio. Sited in Gosford Forest Park, the new modular AccessoLoo will be situated near the main car park to complement existing toileting facilities available to visitors. Based outside Markethill, the parkland is very popular with visitors from the locality as well as those from further afield. With accessible play equipment, picnic benches, and glamping facilities already on site, the provision of the modular AccessoLoo Changing Places is another step in making the district accessible for all.
Disability Sport NI already has equipment located in the park to enhance the activities available to the disabled community, offering motorised carts to be able to negotiate some of the many trails that have been designed around Gosford. The addition of a new Changing Places will be welcome news to the community who has for too long found it difficult to enjoy a hygienic and dignified day out.
Christine McClements, who is an ardent campaigner says, “It cannot be acceptable that a parent or carer should be forced to change, clean, or dress a severely disabled child or adult on a dirty toilet floor. Public spending should always take account of the needs of the whole community, especially for these very basic needs.”
These new Changing Places will hopefully be ready for use by Easter 2022 and will complement the provision also acquired from AccessoLoo which is to be placed in Lurgan Park, within the district.