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Stanborough Park

Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6DF

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About this venue

Enjoy a visit to Stanborough Park, a beautiful countryside park, covering an area of 126 acres, on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award for the past 10 years. The Park, with its many attractions, is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people each year. With something for all ages and tastes, the Park offers a rewarding day out for all the family. Take a gentle stroll, picnic or just laze away an afternoon relaxing in our award winning parklands.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the grounds include watersports activity centre, children's play area, nature trail, the lakes, rowing boats, pedal boats and water walkers, fishing, model boating lake, coffee shop, kiosk and Terranova Restaurant.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Welwyn Garden City.

Parking (South Side)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located adjacent to the south lake.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 310cm x 600cm (10ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the south car park entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 150m (164yd 2in) from the south car park 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 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 have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There are 3 bays for Blue Badge holders located next to the lake and a further 3 located at the rear of the Terranova Restaurant.
    • ANPR is used to control parking and parking charges apply for all users.
    • Payment is via cashless ticket machines (payment via card, Apple Pay or Google Pay only) or by scanning a Scanpay QR code on site.
    • Alternatively, users can sign up to Hozah to make automatic payments whenever you enter the park.
    • Blue Badge holders and local residents can apply for reduced rates by registering and completing a form.
    • For full details, please click here.

Outside Access (South Side Car Park Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off of the south side car park.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located at the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Parks and Gardens (South Side)

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have compact earth, gravel and muddy surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are slight slopes on the paths.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Eating and Drinking (Stanborough Park Coffee Shop)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located next to the activity 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 approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the cafe counter.
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • 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 not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Outside Access (Terranova Restaurant Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the side of the Terranova Restaurant building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Eating and Drinking (Terranova Restaurant)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • The restaurant is located opposite the activity centre.
  • Full table service is available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 3m (3yd 10in) from the restaurant entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 74cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is Italian.

Outside Access (Activity Centre - Front Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the activity centre.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 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 not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 12cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
    • 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.
    • There is a second lower handrail.

Outside Access (Activity Centre - Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the activity centre.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 70cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.

Reception (Activity Centre)

  • The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the Activity Centre - Front Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Activity Centre

  • Visitors to the centre are able to do a variety of sailing and water based activities.
  • There are boats which may be suitable for disabled visitors.
  • A hoist is available on the jetty to assist with transferring to boats.
  • Photographs 4 and 5 show the footpath that leads to the jetty from the changing block.
  • The changing block has standard and accessible changing rooms, showers and toilets.

Changing Block

  • The changing block has both accessible and standard toilets, accessible and standard showers and accessible and standard changing rooms.
  • Visitors would use this block if taking part in water based activities.
  • The changing block can only be accessed through the activity centre.
  • The block has separate male and female facilities, although the accessible toilet and changing room with shower is located through the entrance to the female facilities.
  • The changing block has 2 entrances which have doors that open to you, are heavy and are 90cm wide.

Accessible Changing Room (Activity Centre - Changing Block)

  • There are accessible changing rooms available.
  • The accessible changing room is located within the changing block, immediately behind the activity centre.
  • The facility is 2m (2yd 7in) from the changing block entrance.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 300cm x 300cm (9ft 10in x 9ft 10in).
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 220cm (7ft 3in).
  • 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 50cm (1ft 8in) above floor level.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the sink is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • 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, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).

Standard Changing Room (Activity Centre - Changing Block)

  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the changing block entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main boating lake.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the rear of the building.
  • 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.

Accessible Toilet (South Side)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the car park entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the coffee shop.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff in the activity centre.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 160cm (5ft 11in x 5ft 3in).
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 not an emergency alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is 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 poor.
    • 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 medium.

Level Change (South Side Accesible and Standard Toilets)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading to the toilets.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located in front of the toilets.
  • There is / are 2 step(s) to the area / service.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium height.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Standard Toilet(s) (South Side)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the coffee shop.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the car park entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the coffee shop.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 34m (37yd 7in) from the car park entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard female and male toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the baby change facility.

Parking (North Side)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located adjacent to the north lakes.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • ANPR is used to control parking.
    • Disabled parking is still free but Blue Badge holders using both north and south car parks must register their vehicle and badge at the site office, located on the south side, during opening hours to avoid a parking charge.
    • There is no facility to register at the north car park.
    • The north car park is undergoing construction at the time of surveying so is subject to change
    • Blue Badge holders can park for free
    • Registration is required
    • Users can register via email: [email protected]
    • Users can register via the web site:
    • https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/welwyn-hatfield/stanborough-park-water-sports-centre/facilities
    • Users can register via the Blue Badge phone line: 0208 418 9945
    • This information is available on signage at both car parks.

Outside Access (North Side Car Park Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the north side car park.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the bridges.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 different entrances located off the car park both of which are footbridges.

Parks and Gardens (North Side)

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have compact earth, loose wood chippings, gravel and muddy surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are moderate and slight slopes on the paths.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • Comments View
    • Some sections of the footpaths around the main lake and model boating lake have a block paved surface.

Climbing Activity Area

  • On the north side of the park is an activity area which has a series of climbing activities.
  • These are accessed by a metal gate and is only open when staffed.
  • Visitors are not permitted to use this area without staff supervision.

Link Tunnel

  • There is a tunnel that links the south and north sides of the park.
  • It is accessed by a moderate slope on either side and there is also a height restriction on the north side.

Accessible Toilet (North Side)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the north side car park entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located Just beyond the north side car park.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 200cm (4ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is 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 fair.
    • 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 bright.

Level Change (North Side Accessible and Standard Toilets)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance to the toilets.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Standard Toilet(s) (North Side)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.