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.
COVID-19 Information
Parking (Showground Car Park)
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Venue Car Park
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- The car park is located at the Southern end of the Showground, off Broadhall Way.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 0 designated 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 uneven surfaces.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
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On Street Parking and Drop-off Details.
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- There is general parking only within the car park.
- This car park is also used by visitors attending Stevenage Football Club on match days.
Parking (Main Car Park)
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Venue Car Park
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- The car park is located off Six Hills Way.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 0 designated 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.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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Comments
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- There is general parking only within the car park.
Parking (Cafe and Sailing Centre Car Park)
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Venue Car Park
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- The car park is located next to the cafe.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- There is/are 4 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 350cm x 570cm (11ft 6in x 18ft 8in).
- The nearest designated bay is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the cafe.
- The furthest designated 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.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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On Street Parking and Drop-off Details.
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Parking (Shephall View)
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Venue Car Park
View
- The car park is located off Shephall View.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 0 designated 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.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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On Street Parking and Drop-off Details.
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
View
- There is general parking only within the car park.
Parking (Fairlands Way)
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Venue Car Park
View
- The car park is located off Fairlands Way.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 0 designated 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.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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On Street Parking and Drop-off Details.
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- There is general parking only within the car park.
Outside Access (Showground South Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located off the showground car park.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
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Comments
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- 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.
Level Change (Showground South Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is steep.
Outside Access (Canyon Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the end of the lane which leads from Valley Way.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
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Comments
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- 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.
- There is room for a wheelchair to pass, to the left of the barrier.
Level Change (Canyon Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is moderate.
Outside Access (Showground North Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Six Hills Way.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
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Comments
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- There are removeable posts at this entrance, which have a gap of 110cm between them.
Level Change (Showground North Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is moderate.
Outside Access (Main Lake South Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Six Hills Way.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
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Comments
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- There are 2 entrances that lead from Six Hills Way to the main lake.
- Only one of the entrance's has removeable posts, as shown in the photographs.
Level Change (Main Lake South Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is steep.
Outside Access (Main Car Park Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located off the main car park.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
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Comments
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- There is a removeable post 10m from the start of the path, that leads from the car park to the main lake.
Level Change (Main Car Park Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is easy.
Outside Access (Shephall View Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located off the car park.
- There is level access into the venue.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
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Comments
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- 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.
Outside Access (Fairlands Way Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located off the car park.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
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Comments
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- The footpaths have removeable posts located centrally on the path.
Level Change (Fairlands Way Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is easy.
Outside Access (Chells Way Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Chells Way.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
Level Change (Chells Way Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is steep.
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 easy, moderate and steep 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 pools, 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)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
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Second set of doors
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- The automatic doors are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in).
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in).
Level Change (Cafe Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is easy.
Eating and Drinking (Cafe)
- The following information is for the cafe.
- The cafe 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.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- All chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is 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.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / 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.
- The cafe opens daily at 09.30 and shuts during winter months at 15.30 and summer months at 17.30.
- Staff will assist customers with orders, as and when required.
Accessible Toilet (Cafe)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- 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 unisex 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 light.
- 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 open waste paper bin and sanitary 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 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.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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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 toilets are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilets are located at the rear of the venue.
- The female toilets are 16m (17yd 1ft) from the cafe entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilets are located at the rear of the venue.
- The male toilets are 16m (17yd 1ft) from the cafe entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
- Lighting levels are bright.
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 roll 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 on 01438 353 241 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.
Accessible Toilet (Sailing Centre)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is 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
View
- This is a unisex 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 weight is light.
- 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 not 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 not a coat hook.
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall mounted rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There are mirrors.
- 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
- The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- The accessible toilet also has a roll-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 venue.
- The female toilet(s) is/are 14m (15yd 11in) from the main block entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
View
- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the venue.
- The male toilet(s) is/are 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main block entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are bright.
Standard Changing Room (Sailing Centre)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are 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
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- 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.
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Comments
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- The photograph shows the maze area, which is located next to the Fairlands Way car park.