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Helix Park and The Kelpies

Helix Park, Falkirk, FK2 7ZT

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • Helix Park and The Kelpies is a visitor centre and a park which houses The Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculpture.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: café, toilets, changing places facility, exhibition, shop, children's play area and dog wash.
    • View information on opening times
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the visitor centre.
    • Access throughout may include narrow aisles.
    • The following facilities are available: a seat/chair, a manual wheelchair and a water bowl for assistance dogs.
    • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: sensory packs.
    • The venue can provide an audio description service.
    • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
    • Staff receive the following training: First Aid, Fire Evacuation and Disability Awareness.
  • Toilet and Changing Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located in the main car park, in the visitor centre and in the Hide.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located in the main car park, in the visitor centre and in the Hide.
    • The changing facilities which have adaptations are located opposite the main car park.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations.

Parking (Blue Badge Car Park)

  • The car park is located to the left hand side of the visitor centre.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The height of the restriction barrier is 110cm.
  • There are 7 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are signposted but have no markings.
  • There are no hatched/marked zones.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has level changes with no dropped kerbs.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • There is also a main car park as you enter the venue, which has 5 clearly marked Blue Badge bays with hatched zones.

Access To

  • The entrance to the visitor centre is to the right hand side of the Blue Badge car park.
  • The journey time from the Blue Badge car park is approximately two minutes.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is a single automatic door which opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 130cm.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors, automatic doors and narrow aisles.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • There may be trishaws available, provided by "Cycling Without Age - Scotland", depending upon the volunteers' availability.

Ticketing (and Shop)

  • Ticket Counter / Machines View
    • The ticket counter surveyed is located immediately upon entrance to the visitor centre.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 75cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • The narrowest aisle width in the shop is 110cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Centre - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the right hand side of the ticket counter.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 92cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a wall mounted towel dispenser available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • Additional features include: a full length mirror.

Exhibition Space

  • This attraction is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is background noise.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • There are shows/talks with designated seating for wheelchair users.
  • Guided tours are available.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
  • Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.

Eating and Drinking

  • Location and Service View
    • The café is located to the rear of the shop.
    • The most accessible route has narrow walkways.
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are wall-mounted and available on a board.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the right hand side as you enter the cafe.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the tray rail is 85cm.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • The width of the patio doors in 95cm.

Seating Area (Outdoor)

  • The seating area is located to the rear of the café, adjacent to the play area.
  • Some of the seating area is covered.
  • The most accessible route to the seating area has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and picnic tables.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

Outdoor Spaces (The Kelpies and Play Area)

  • The following is available in this area: a playground.
  • Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, wood bark and grass.
  • There are footpaths in some areas.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • Playground View
    • The following play experiences are available: swinging, sliding, climbing and balancing.

Toilet with Adaptations (Opposite the Main Car Park - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located opposite the main car park.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 102cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a hand dryer available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • Additional features include: a baby changing table.

Changing Places (Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located opposite the main car park.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the left side is obstructed.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 280cm.
    • There is a push button flush on top of the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • The shower has an adjustable shower head which can be detached and an emergency alarm.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a height adjustable wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser, a wide paper roll dispenser and a hand dryer available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • The facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • Additional features include: a full length mirror and a privacy screen.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Hide - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in The Hide.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a wall mounted towel dispenser and a hand dryer available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • Additional features include: a mirror and a baby changing table.