Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

William Penn Leisure Centre

Shepherds Lane, Mill End, Rickmansworth, WD3 8JN

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the left of the leisure centre entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • There is a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 40m from leisure centre entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp.
    • This route has narrow walkways.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located at the front of the leisure centre.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the drop-off point.
  • Public Parking View
    • There is a public car park located opposite the leisure centre.
    • The name of the car park is Shepherds Lane car park.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available in the car park.
    • Electric vehicle charging points are available in the car park.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located on Shepherds Lane.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is ramped and stepped access at the entrance.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
  • There is a handrail on the right going up.
  • There are 7 steps.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 180cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 188cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations are located in the basement and on floor 0 and floor 1.
    • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
    • The basement facility is also a 'Changing Places' facility.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the basement and floor 0.
    • Gender neutral step-free standard toilet facilities are located on floor 1.
  • Changing Places Facilities View
    • Changing Places facilities are located in the basement pool changing area.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Standard changing facilities are located in the basement adjacent to the pool and on floor 0.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the basement pool changing area and in the toilets with adaptations on floor 0.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Shower facilities with adaptations are located within the standard male dry changing area on floor 0.
    • Standard shower facilities are located in the basement pool changing area and in the dry changing area on floor 0.

Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located ahead as you enter the leisure centre.
    • The distance from the entrance is 15m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 105cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
    • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • Seating available in this area includes: sofas.
    • There are security barriers with a wider opening which are operated by key card.
    • The wider gate width is 120cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access between floors via lift.
    • There is step-free level access throughout walkways.
  • Circulation View
    • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
    • There may be background noise.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
    • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right of reception through the double doors.
  • The distance from the reception is 30m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Basement, floor 0 and floor 1 can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a medium colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
    • The external lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 113cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
    • The lift has a separate door to exit.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe)

  • Location and Access View
    • The cafe is located to the right of reception as you enter the leisure centre.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There is open plan access.
  • Order and Payment View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the rear of the cafe.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The card payment machine is at a height of 102cm.
    • The payment machine is portable.
  • Service View
    • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menu types include: countertop.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: dairy free and vegetarian.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
    • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Gym

  • The gym is located ahead as you go past reception .
  • There is step-free level access into the gym.
  • There is a reception desk located to the right as you enter the gym. The height of the desk is 92cm There is an exit door release button at 134cm.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 120cm.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 156cm.
  • The doors have a medium colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There are no doors to open along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include pillars and permanent physical obstructions.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The gym is staffed when open.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • There is some clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
  • Equipment includes free weights, cable resistance machines, upper body machines where fixed seats can be removed and arm cycles.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Pools

  • Pool 1 View
    • To access the pool area there are double doors that open outwardly. The opening is 92cm wide and there is a locked leaf.
    • This is an indoor pool.
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • Seating available around the pool includes: chairs without armrests.
    • There is an emergency alarm poolside.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
    • The pool has step-free access via hoist only.
    • Alternatively, access into the water is via 3 steps or a ladder.
    • There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
    • The handrails are easy to grip.
    • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The following adaptations are available for disabled people: a hydraulic hoist and a submersible wheelchair.
    • The pool is staffed at all times.
    • Additional facilities include: a children's pool.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the basement floor.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The distance from the lift is 10m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
    • The door opens outwards and has a medium colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 81cm.
    • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
    • Internally the door has a medium colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 550cm (width) x 264cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however they are obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 100cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 414cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the left transfer side.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The horizontal grab rails have a medium colour contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are dropdown grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown grab rails have a medium colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
    • There is not a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 54cm from the floor.
    • There are no grab rails for the shower.
    • There are dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The dropdown rails for the shower have a medium colour contrast.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a medium colour contrast.
    • There is a wash basin mounted soap dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 104cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is 108cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 108cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a long mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 94cm and 130cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left of reception on floor 0.
    • The distance from reception is 30m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 82cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 240cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 108cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the left side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 114cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a long mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 90cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Standard Changing Room (Wet Side - Basement)

  • The changing room surveyed is located on the basement floor next to the pool.
  • The distance from the lift is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the changing room has a lift.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the changing room.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 56cm.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • Washing and toilet facilities available in the changing room include: a wheel-in shower and a standard shower.
  • Changing facilities available in the changing room include: a dry seat for changing, a baby changing table and a locker.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
  • There is also a mirror in the room.
  • There is a wheel in shower in the changing room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
  • There is no emergency alarm.
  • There is a fixed shower head.
  • The shower controls are push.
  • There is no shower seat.
  • There are no grab rails for the shower.
  • There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
  • The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are also separate male and female group changing areas and individual showers .

Parent and Baby Room

  • The room is located poolside in the wetside changing area.
  • The distance from the pool is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a medium colour contrast.
  • Internally the door has a medium colour contrast.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 70cm.
  • There is also a wash basin, a mirror and a coat hook in the room.
  • The wash basin has a twist/turn mixer tap.
  • The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
  • The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Spa

  • About View
    • The spa facilities are located within the pool area.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • There may be background noise.
    • There is wayfinding signage.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • Seating available in the building includes: benches.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Sauna View
    • The sauna is located poolside 15m from the pool on floor 0.
    • The most accessible route to the sauna has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into the sauna.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door opens away from you.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a low colour contrast.
    • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 122cm.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a push button emergency alarm.
  • Steam Room View
    • The steam room is located within the health suite on floor 0 .
    • The most accessible route to the steam room has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • There is step-free level access into the steam room.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door opens away from you.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a low colour contrast.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a push button emergency alarm.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left of reception opposite the sports hall.
    • The distance from the reception is 40m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 265cm (width) x 265cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 204cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 84cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 158cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • There is a wheel in shower in the cubicle.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is an adjustable shower head.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 52cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The dropdown rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.

Standard Changing Room (Dry Side - Floor 0)

  • The changing room surveyed is located along the corridor to the left of reception.
  • The distance from the reception is 55m.
  • The most accessible route to the changing room has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the changing room.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 84cm.
  • There is a second door.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 84cm.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • Washing and toilet facilities available in the changing room include: a standard shower.
  • Changing facilities available in the changing room include: a dry seat for changing, a changing table/bench, a locker and a locker at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The wash basin has a push tap.
  • The toilet seat has a medium colour contrast.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
  • There is also a coat hook in the room.
  • There is a shower in the changing room.
  • There is step-free level access to the shower cubicle.
  • There is a fixed shower head.
  • The shower controls are push.
  • There is a shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 53cm from the floor.
  • There are grab rails for the shower.
  • The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
  • There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
  • The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Shower with Adaptations

  • Access View
    • The shower surveyed is located in the male dry side changing area.
    • The distance from the reception is 40m.
    • The most accessible route to the shower has step-free level access.
    • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is not any signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a low colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 72cm.
    • The door has no lock.
    • Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • There is a fixed shower head.
    • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 50cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
    • There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
    • There is no mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has no disposal facilities.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.