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The Parks Leisure Centre

Howdon Road, North Shields, NE29 6TL

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a leisure centre with sports hall, indoor bowls and a children's soft play area.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include all weather pitches.

Opening Times

  • Monday 06:10 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 06:10 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 06:10 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 06:10 - 22:00.
  • Friday 06:10 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 18:00.
  • Sunday 08:00 - 18:00.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Manors.
  • The nearest Metro Station is Meadow Well.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 7 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 318cm x 500cm (10ft 5in x 16ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • 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 level changes with no dropped kerbs.
    • 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.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is 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 in front of and to the left of the entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not 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 in the centre.
    • 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • There is a handrail on the left hand part of the steps.

Outside Access (Exit)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear left of the foyer as you enter the building via the main entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 153cm.
  • Comments View
    • The exit shares the ramp and steps with the main entrance.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a lowered section of the desk at a height of 94cm.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the building, including all toilets and changing rooms.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Spinning Room

  • The spinning room is located on the ground floor, along the corridor ahead as you enter building.
  • The room is 16m from the main entrance.
  • The door to the room opens away from you (push) and is single.
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The door width is 85cm.
  • There is a separate exit door to the left hand side of the room as you enter.
  • The door opens away from you (push) and is single.
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The door width is 107cm.
  • The door leads onto the area beyond the exit from the foyer.

Indoor Bowling Green

  • The indoor bowling green is located to the left hand side of the building as you enter, off the main foyer beyond the stairs.
  • There is a seating area around the bowling green.
  • The seats have armrests.
  • There are tables in the seating area.
  • There is level access onto the bowling green from the seating area.

Level Change (Indoor Bowling Green)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located to the rear left of the building, leading to the indoor bowling green.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the rear left of the building, leading to the indoor bowling green.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 similar ramps in this area.
    • There are 5 similar sets of steps in this area.

The Terrace

  • The Terrace is located on the ground floor, to the rear left of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The room is 47m from the main entrance.
  • The door opens towards you (pull) and is single.
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The door width is 85cm.
  • The flooring surface is laminate.
  • The room is available for hire.
  • The room layout will vary depending on the use.

Willow Suite

  • The Willow Suite is located on the ground floor, along the main corridor ahead as you enter the building.
  • The room is 23m from the main entrance.
  • The doors open away from you (push) and are double with one locked leaf.
  • The doors may be difficult to open.
  • The door width is 80cm.
  • There are desks at a height of 70cm.
  • There are chairs without armrests.
  • There is a height adjustable chair.
  • The flooring surface is carpet.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.

Cheeky Monkeys Soft Play

  • Cheeky Monkeys is located to the rear of the building as you enter.
  • The room is 31m from the main entrance.
  • There is a gate which opens away from you (push) and is single to enter the area.
  • The gate may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the gate is 120cm.
  • There is a variety of play equipment and climbing areas available throughout the room.
  • Some of the play areas are accessed by a deep step created by kerb walling.
  • The surface of the flooring of the room is laminate, carpet tiles and padded tiles.

Rainbow Room (Sensory Room)

  • The Rainbow Room is located at the rear of the centre as you enter.
  • The room is 34m from the main entrance.
  • The door is single, opens away from you (push) and may be difficult to open.
  • The clear door opening width is 85cm.
  • There is a variety of sensory equipment in the room.
  • The lighting varies depending on the equipment being used.
  • There is a light up table and seating cubes.
  • There are chairs with armrests.

Accessible Changing Room (Ground Floor)

  • There are accessible changing rooms available.
  • The accessible changing room is located on the ground floor, along the left hand corridor as you enter, next to the sports hall.
  • The facility is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 127cm (4ft 2in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm (1ft 6in) above floor level.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the sink is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is not a mixer tap.
  • There is not an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
  • There is not a locker within the accessible changing room.
  • There is not a changing bench.
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head and a fixed seat.
  • The height of the seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a dividing wall between the changing area and the toilet/shower area.
    • The dimensions of the changing area are 211cm wide and 181cm deep.
    • The dimensions of the toilet area are 196cm wide and 183cm deep.
    • There is a bench seat in the changing area at a height of 54cm.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor - Foyer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile, Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, ahead as you enter the building, on the right hand side of foyer.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 147cm (5ft 5in x 4ft 10in).
    • There is not 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is push.
    • There is not 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 waste paper pedal 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 144cm (4ft 9in).
    • 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 good.

Standard Changing Room (Ground Floor - Male)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the sports hall.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the front left of the building as you enter, along the corridor leading to the sports hall.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar changing rooms throughout the building.
    • There is a female changing room adjacent to the one surveyed.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Foyer)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, ahead as you enter the building, on the right hand side of the foyer.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional similar toilets throughout the building.

Parent and Baby Room (Ground Floor - Foyer)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located on the ground floor, ahead as you enter the building, on the right hand side of the foyer.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 20m from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 86cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is push.
  • There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Parent and Baby Room (Ground Floor - Willow Suite)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located on the ground floor, towards the rear of the building as you enter, in the Willow Suite.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 26m from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 83cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is push.
  • There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right side of the foyer.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 208cm (2ft 11in x 6ft 10in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Pine

  • The Pine Room is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
  • The room is 14m from the lift.
  • This is a studio.
  • The door is single, opens away from you (push) and may be difficult to open.
  • The clear door opening width is 80cm.
  • There is a visual fire alarm in this room.
  • The floor is shiny and may be mistaken for being slippery.

Fitness Suite (First Floor)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor, along the right corridor as you exit the lift.
    • The fitness suite is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open towards you (pull).
    • The doors are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The opening is 158cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive some training in assisting disabled people.
    • Training provided is NHS and bespoke training.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes the hand bike, step through recumbent bike, free weights and cable pulley machine.
    • A portable hearing assistance system is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, off the left hand corridor ahead as you exit the lift.
    • 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 177cm x 149cm (5ft 10in x 4ft 11in).
    • There is not 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 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not 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 non-infectious waste, waste paper pedal bin and sanitary 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 good.

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • 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 in the car park area.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is normally on duty.
  • Staff are trained to BSL level (unknown at time of research).
  • Home visits / services are not available.