Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the grounds include Main Lake, Millenium Lake, Environment Lake, Balancing Pond, Children's Play Area, Aqua Park, Sailing Centre, Cafe, Millenium Wood, and Showground.
Location
- There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Stevenage.
Parking (Cafe and Sailing Centre Car Park)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is free for all users.
- The car park is located next to the cafe.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
- There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 350cm x 570cm (11ft 6in x 18ft 8in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the cafe.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 44m (48yd 4in) from the cafe.
- 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 slopes/ramps.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Parking (Shephall View)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is free for all users.
- The car park is located off Shephall View.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 0 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- 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 slopes/ramps.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- The parking bays are not marked.
Parking (Fairlands Way)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is free for all users.
- The car park is located off Fairlands Way.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 0 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- 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 slopes/ramps.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Access Point (Showground South Entrance)
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located off the showground car park.
- There is 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.
- There are bollards at this access point.
- At the entrance there are some removeable posts which have a gap of 110cm between them. There is also a locked barrier (padlocked), which is 370cm in width.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located before and after the access point.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Access Point (Canyon Entrance)
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located at the end of the lane which leads from Valley Way.
- There is not an information board/map at this access point.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
- There is an open gap for access.
- The gate has a keypad lock.
- The width of the gap is 98cm.
- There are bollards at this access point.
- This entrance is located next to the Stevenage Scouts Activity Centre, which is signposted from Valley Way. There is a locked barrier (padlocked), which is 280m from Valley Way. The gate is difficult to open. There is room for a wheelchair to pass, to the left of the barrier.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located before and after the squeeze gap.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Access Point (Showground - North Entrance)
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located on Six Hills Way.
- 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 110cm.
- There are bollards at this access point.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located at the entrance leading up into the park.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
Access Point (Main Lake South Entrance)
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located on Six Hills Way.
- 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 80cm.
- There are bollards at this access point.
- There are 2 entrances that lead from Six Hill Way to the main lake. Only 1 of the entrance's has removeable posts/bollards, as shown in photograph 3.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located at the entrance and throughout the grounds.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Access Point (Main Car Park Entrance)
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located off the main car park.
- There is 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 105cm.
- There are bollards at this access point.
- There is a removeable post 10m from the start of the path, that leads from the car park to the main lake. The width between the post is 105cm (this includes the grass verge).
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located leading from the car park up to the grounds of the park.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Access Point (Shephall View Entrance)
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located off the car park.
- There is not an information board/map at this access point.
- There is step-free access at this access point.
- There is no gate at this access point.
- The width of the gap is 80cm.
- There are bollards at this access point.
- There are 3 identical entrances from the car park, all with removeable posts located centrally on the path, with a gap of 80cm to either side.
Access Point (Fairlands Way Entrance)
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located off the car park.
- There is not an information board/map at this access point.
- There is step-free access at this access point.
- There is no gate at this access point.
- The width of the gap is 89cm.
- There are bollards at this access point.
- The footpaths have removeable posts located centrally on the path.
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
Access Point (Chells Way Entrance)
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Access Point
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- This information is for the access point located on Chells Way.
- 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.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located leading from Chells Way entrance along the path into the park.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Parks and Gardens
- The park or garden does have footpaths.
- The path(s) has a / have tarmac surface(s).
- The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There are moderate, steep and slight slopes on the paths.
- There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
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Comments
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- The bench seats are located throughout the park, on all of the footpaths.
Children's Play Area and Aqua Park
- Within Fairlands Valley Park there is both a children's play area and an aqua park.
- The aqua park is only open during the summer and is complete with splash areas, a kiosk and public toilet facilities.
- The play area can be accessed throughout the year.
- The play area is accessed through metal gates which are heavy, are 90cm wide and are located around the perimeter.
Outside Access (Cafe Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the front of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
- The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 168cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
- The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 168cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Opening Times (Cafe)
- The venue has seasonal opening times.
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Comments
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- The cafe opens daily at 09.30 and shuts during winter months at 15.30 and summer months at 17.30.
Eating and Drinking (Cafe)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located adjacent to the main lake and next to the sailing centre.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the cafe entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
- The standard height for tables is 70cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
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Comments
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- There are tables and benches located on the terrace area, immediately in front of the cafe.
- Staff will assist customers with orders, as and when required.
Toilet with Adaptations (Cafe - Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the cafe entrance.
- The accessible toilet is located at the rear of the venue.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 215cm x 250cm (7ft 1in 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- 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.
- 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).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).
Standard Toilet(s) (Cafe)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the venue.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the cafe entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the venue.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the cafe entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.
Outside Access (Sailing Centre Reception Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
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Comments
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- This entrance allows access to the reception area only.
- The main building is accessed by another door, which is located to the right of this entrance.
Reception (Sailing Centre)
- The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the reception entrance.
- There is level access to reception from the entrance.
- The reception desk is high (110cm+).
- The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is not available only on request.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
Sailing Centre
- Within the sailing centre building is a training/conference room, accessible toilets with a wheel-in shower, standard toilets, and standard changing rooms with level access showers.
- The centre is equipped with boats that can accommodate people with a variety of disabilities and also a jetty, complete with a removeable hoist to lift people in and out of the boats.
- Disabled people are able to sail either on their own or with an instructor depending on their individual needs.
- There is a boat that is adapted to carry disabled people that are unable to sit up and can be carried laying down.
- The sailing centre operates seasonal opening hours, please contact the centre for more details.
- The main building is accessed by a manual, single door, 80cm wide, which opens towards you.
- This entrance is key pad controlled on entry and push button controlled on exit.
- The sailing centre also has an outdoor activity area complete with a climbing wall.
- The removeable hoist can also be used to allow access to the climbing wall.
Toilet with Adaptations (Sailing Centre - Left Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main block entrance.
- The accessible toilet is located at the rear of the venue.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 260cm (7ft 3in x 8ft 6in).
- 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
- 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 fully functional.
- 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).
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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 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 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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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.
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Comments
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- The accessible toilet also has a wheel-in shower.
- The shower has an adjustable height shower head, has lever controls and there is a fold down shower seat, which is 46cm high.
- There is an additional accessible toilet located at the end of the building which is accessed with a radar key, which can obtained from a member of staff.
- It was not possible to access the toilet at the time of surveying.
Standard Toilet(s) (Sailing Centre)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the sailing centre.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main block entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the sailing centre.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main block entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.
Standard Changing Room (Sailing Centre)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main block entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located at the rear of the venue.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
- Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
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Comments
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- There are separate, identical standard male and female changing rooms.
- The changing rooms also have an additional standard toilet located within them.
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 surrounding the venue.