Pictured above: The Mayor who formally opened the facility talking to guest Kerry Thompson, an award-winning disability blogger, campaigner and Changing Places user.
A new fully accessible Changing Places toilet with additional equipment and more space was officially opened at Emberton Country Park today, Thursday 16 May by the Mayor of Milton Keynes and Cabinet Member for the Public Realm Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew.
The new facility was funded as a partnership between the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DHLUC) from the Changing Places Fund and the city council. This Fund is administered by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and aims to support disabled people with improved access and facilities.
Visitors to Emberton Country Park can now be reassured of facilities including:
- a powered height adjustable adult-sized changing bench
- a movable tracking ceiling hoist system
- enough space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers
- a centrally placed toilet with space either side for wheelchairs
The park boasts over 5km of paths and trails winding their way around 5 lakes, through wooded glades and meadows. In amongst this are two dedicated picnic areas and numerous play and learning experiences for children, including accessible play equipment. We also provide accessible fishing facilities for all visitors with several specially adapted fishing pegs. There are over 200 touring sites and 114 static pitches available at the park. All sites have access to toilet and shower facilities are included in some areas. From our accessible birdhide to triathlons, camping, fishing, outdoor gym use, picnicking or simply enjoying a walk in the countryside, Emberton Country Park has something for everyone to enjoy, all year round.
"Having access to more changing places toilets means 'freedom'. To do what most people take for granted daily basis, for example, visit open spaces, enjoy a day out with family or friends, even taking a trip somewhere new. But most of all having less anxiety and worry about limiting my fluid intake, Emberton Country Park are helping thousands of disabled people and their families to live their best lives.”
“We welcome thousands of people to Emberton Country Park every year and I’m delighted we’ve been able to add a Changing Places toilet to make it easier for people with disabilities to enjoy a day out with more freedom.”
“I am delighted to see our funding has helped secure a new Changing Places toilet in Milton Keynes, delivering modern and accessible facilities in areas where they are needed most. As part of our mission to level up communities across the country, we are supporting councils to make a real difference to people’s lives. Providing these important public facilities is the latest example in how we’re achieving that.”