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Gosford Forest Park

Gosford Road, Markethill, County Armagh, BT60 1GD

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About this venue

Gosford Forest Park has some 240 acres of diverse woodland and open parkland set in gentle rolling drumlin countryside, Gosford Forest Park is an adventure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. With so diverse an environment this fabulous natural playground is perfect for gentle walks, challenging trails and treks, cycling as well as wildlife spotting and adventure sports. The park highlights include a magnificent herd of red deer and seeing them up close, even if it isn’t your first time, will still catch your breath The venue has a new 3km woodland outdoor play area featuring five unique superstructures, an adventure for all your little giants Enjoy the 16km of multi-use trails for walking, running, cycling and horse-riding. ‘All Out Trekking’ provides an inclusive opportunity for people of all abilities (age 12+) to access the forest’s walking and mountain biking trails using an off road, battery powered vehicle.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the grounds include a caravan and camping site with accessible sleeping pods, various forest trails for walking, wild deer herd, horse riding, cycling and off road battery powered vehicles for all abilities. There are several unique play areas for children of all ages.

Opening Times

  • Please contact the venue for details of opening times.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Portadown.

Access Point (Vehicular - Pedestrian Access)

  • Access Point View
    • This information is for the access point located at the vehicular entrance to the park.
    • There is not an information board/map at this access point.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
    • There is no gate at this access point.
    • The width of the gap is 85cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located beyond the access point.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 5 and 6 show the payment shed beyond the access point.

Parking (Main Car Park)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • There is a £5 parking charge.
    • The car park is located at the start of the forest trails.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 230cm x 475cm (7ft 7in x 15ft 7in).
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 to 7 show the main car park at the start of the forest trails.
    • Photographs 8 and 9 show the refreshment stands in this car park.
    • The Expresso Bar is open every day with the exception of Christmas Day.
    • Photographs 10 and 11 show the car park in front of the office.
    • Photographs 12 and 13 show the car park in front of the entrance to All Out Trekking. There are 7 Blue Badge bays in this car park.

Children's Play Parks - Main Car Park

  • These play parks are located in the main car park area.
  • Photographs 1 to 7 show the large play park.
  • The gate to this play park is single, opens away from you, is easy to open and 110cm wide.
  • There are various climbing frames, swings and some sensory equipment.
  • The play surfaces are soft rubber matting and grass with tarmac paths.
  • Photographs 8 to 12 show the Little Explorers play park for younger children.
  • The gate to this area is single, opens towards you, is easy to open and 110cm wide.
  • There are various swings and climbing frames.
  • The surface here is concrete paths with grass and sandpits.
  • There are benches available in each park.

Ability Swing - Main Car Park

  • This swing is located in the large play park.
  • The gate is single, opens towards you, is easy to open and 112cm wide.
  • A radar key is required to open the gate.
  • The swing compartment is 75cm wide by 120 deep.
  • There is a QR code on the swing to access a user video.

Changing Places (Main Car Park)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located to the left of the toilet block.
    • The facility is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main car park.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 400cm x 300cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 186cm (6ft 1in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 140cm.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 92cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 90cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Level Change (Changing Places - Main Car Park)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • The handrails for the ramp had not been attached at the time of survey.

Outside Access (Forest Office)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 91cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the right of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • The office is located to the right beyond the main car park.

Reception (Forest Office)

  • The desk/counter is 1m (3ft 3in) from the office entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Parks and Gardens (Park and Forest)

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have compact earth, loose wood chippings, tarmac, concrete and muddy surface(s).
  • There are slight and steep slopes on the paths.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 to 4 show some of the paths around the main car park area.
    • There are benches and fixed bench tables and seating for picnics.
    • Photograph 5 shows one of the marker points located throughout the forest to indicate the directions to the various paths and the children's forest play areas.
    • Some of the trails in the forest are densely populated and some of the trees are ancient.

Children's Play Areas - Forest

  • There are five unique children's adventure play areas within the forest.
  • These play areas are located within an approximate 2 mile circular walk.
  • There are various climbing frames and zip wires.
  • There is something for all age groups, (including adults).

Outside Access (All Out Trekking)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • All Out Trekking is located to the right beyond the office.

Reception (All Out Trekking)

  • The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the All Out Trekking entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

All Out Trekking - Buggies

  • The project is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom and Ireland using the TerrainHopper and Quadrix all-terrain buggies that are suitable for people with a disability, long term health condition or restricted mobility to access off-road terrains.
  • We also have joystick options of both the Quadrix & TerrainHopper, which may prove more suitable for anyone with reduced hand/arm function, as seen in photographs 4 and 5.
  • Photograph 6 shows the hoist that is used to enable wheelchair users to access the buggies.
  • Bookings are essential.

Caravan and Camp Site

  • These areas are located to the far right of the Forest Office.
  • There are hard standings for caravans.
  • There are electric power points to the rear of each hard standing as seen in photograph 3.
  • The height to the plug is 100cm.
  • There is a sluice room adjacent to the facilities block.
  • The paths around the site are a mix of tarmac and grass, some of the paths are uneven.
  • Photograph 6 shows one of the two fields used for camping.
  • Pitches in these fields are not marked out.

Accessible Pods - Caravan and Camp Site

  • There are three of these pods with hard standings.
  • There are accessed by a slight ramp with a handrail on left or right going up.
  • The width of the ramp is 150cm.
  • The door of the pods are single, open towards you, are easy to open and are 86cm wide.
  • There are fixed bench seating at the front of each pod.
  • The pods have electric power and will be fitted with a fridge and kettle.
  • Photographs 5 and 6 show one of the possible bed configurations.

Level Change (Caravan and Camp Site - Facilities Block)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading to the facilities block.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Caravan and Camping Site - Kitchen

  • The kitchen is located at the rear of the facilities block.
  • The door to the kitchen is single, opens away from you, is easy to open and is 78cm wide.
  • There is a deep step to access the kitchen.
  • The height of the sinks is 85cm.
  • The sinks have separate lever taps.

Accessible Shower (Caravan and Camp Site - Female)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the facilities block.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 52cm (1ft 8in).
  • Other facilities available include; dropdown rails on both sides of the shower and a wall mounted rail on the right.
  • There is not level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • A Radar key is required to access the shower facilities.
    • There is a similar male accessible shower adjacent.
    • The height to the push button alarm is 85cm.
    • The height of the coat hooks vary from 152cm to 160cm.

Standard Shower (Caravan and Camp Site - Female)

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located at the front of the facilities block.
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.

Accessible Toilet (All Out Trekking - Right Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the All Out Trekking entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 366cm x 288cm (12ft x 9ft 5in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 300cm (9ft 10in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a push button alarm in this cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • The height of the alarm button is 106cm.
    • There is a second sink with a lever mixer tap.
    • The height of this sink is 80cm.

Accessible Toilet (Caravan Site Right - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the facilities block.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 209cm x 360cm (6ft 10in x 11ft 10in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 and 2 show the toilet from the front and rear.
    • There is a similar accessible toilet adjacent.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 and 2 show the toilet from the front and rear.
    • There is a similar accessible toilet adjacent.

Accessible Toilet (Caravan Site Left - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the facilities block.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 250cm x 250cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 2in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 176cm (5ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm did not sound when tested.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet (Main Car Park - Left Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the Blue Badge bays.
    • This accessible toilet is located within a toilet block to the right of the car park.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 355cm (4ft 11in x 11ft 8in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is push.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 54cm (1ft 9in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within this accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 4 shows the small lip on the threshold at the entrance.

Standard Toilet(s) (Main Car Park)

Standard Toilet(s) (Caravan and Camp Site)

Additional Info

  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located on the grass areas around the site.