The Importance of a Disability Access Audit for Inclusive Outdoor Spaces
The Importance of a Disability Access Audit for Inclusive Outdoor Spaces
Hi guys,
I’m just sitting here in the spring sunshine – (waiting for the hour to change at the weekend) – which sets me to thinking about one of the best parts of my job – auditing ( Disability Access Audit ) open spaces.
Getting outside in the sunshine, looking at green spaces, parks and riverside walks.
I’ve done plenty over the years, with commissions for country parks, civic parks, play areas and river walks to name but a few, and nowadays it’s gratifying to see some results coming through.
I’ve always liked the concept of civic parks – a taste of the country on your doorstep, to use for rest and relaxation after a hard week’s work. Of course, more people came to realise their value with Covid providing the impetus to get out in the fresh air whilst having room to keep a safe distance from other users.
Ensuring Accessibility for All
But I want these spaces to be inclusive, accessible to all, so I look in forensic detail at paths and benches and toilets etc – the things that can make or break your few hours in the sun. I particularly look at play areas, making sure all children can actually participate, not just sit looking on as their mates have the time of their lives. Spaces and routes for wheelchair users around the equipment, colours to catch people’s notice, textures to feel, noises to hear – everybody can be accommodated with a little imagination. You can have a ramp into a playhouse, and you can get anyone onto a roundabout with a little decent design.
The Role of Local Volunteers
Of course, I’m never alone in this outdoor mission – every audit brings me into contact with urban warrior volunteers with great knowledge, helpful advice, and of course, plenty of enthusiasm.
I must mention two in particular here – the late, lamented Joan who accompanied me around Shroggs Park and Paddock Gardens to name but two, full of energy and information and humour, and Hakar who has pushed me around so many green spaces, manhandling me in and out of my car when parked on sloping, cobbled roads, rushing off to take photos in places I could never reach, and still having the time to explain the whole of world politics to me on the way home!
Positive Changes in Accessibility with a Disability Access Audit
Positive changes I’ve noticed include the super-fast construction of a new, accessible path across Brackenbed Park, the remodelling of the lower path into Bramston Park, the construction of a massive, accessible viewing structure at Cromwell Bottom (amongst many other inclusive improvements there), oversight of huge flood mitigation measures in Wellholme Park and inclusive changes to many play areas around the area.
I’ve had lovely surprises – enjoying conducting an audit at Crow Wood Park and coming across a superb, unexpected, accessible Boules Court – now that’s a good game for all, in a wheelchair or not, totally inclusive.
And I’ve had shocks – checking Shibden Park, having been told their tourist train is fully accessible, only to find it actually didn’t have an accessible carriage connected – it was hidden back in the car park because it made the train too long to be maneuverable!
Looking Ahead
So, I look forward to the new season. What could be better? Countryside drive, sitting in a lovely park with my packed lunch, chance of an ice-cream later, and always on every single job, chance encounters and conversations with so many lovely people. It’s amazing how interesting people find a lone wheelchair user, sandwich in hand, moving around taking notes and photographs – they just have to ask!
Feel free, maybe I’ll see you next time?
Chris