Access and inclusion programme delivers significant investment to improve and enhance accessible council facilities
A further investment for Gosford Forest Park has seen the recent installation of three accessible glamping pods to the popular outdoor facility.
The Access and Inclusion programme funded by the Department for Communities has improved accessibility and enhanced a range of council facilities across the borough. Funding of over £330,000 has enabled works to upgrade toilet facilities, installing sensory and accessible play equipment, a new wheelchair accessible boat at South Lake Leisure Centre as well as the new eco-pods at Gosford Forest Park.
Officially opening the glamping pods at Gosford, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr said,
“These new glamping pods are a wonderful addition to the fabulous surroundings of Gosford Forest Park, creating a new and exciting experience to enhance and improve our visitor facilities. The new accessible pods are already proving to be very popular and we are now delighted to officially open for bookings from 1st November.
“I am delighted that as part of the councils continued commitment to improve the quality of life for people with a disability. With a number of projects completed to date we have further plans to increase and develop facilities and activities for all.”
With future developments planned including the provision for modular changing places at Gosford Forest Park and Lurgan Park the programme aims to promote a more inclusive society by enabling disabled people to participate more fully in recreational activities.
The new adapted pods at Gosford include a level access, widened door and large internal turning space, sleeping a maximum of four people. Facilities include a kettle, fridge, heater and picnic table. Visitors will have access to the accessible toilet and shower room in the centre of the campsite. Glamping pods will be available to book online from Monday 1st November at £60 per night, to book click here.
The glamping pods add to other recreational activities available at Gosford Forest Park. People with a disability can enjoy the All Out Trekking activity – an inclusive outdoor experience for people to access the walking and mountain bike trails using four-wheeled, battery powered buggies.
Access and Inclusion Capital Grant Programme funded by the Department of Communities completed to date includes:
- Armagh County Museum: virtual museum project to engage with people with disabilities and pre-visit introduction
- Banbridge Leisure Centre: upgrade of toilet/changing room to include a changing bench and improved turning space
- Craigavon Golf & Ski: three new sit skis and a hoist
- Gosford Forest Park: upgrade of toilet facilities to improve access to caravan site, installation of three accessible eco glamping pods and a wheelchair swing and sensory panels
- Market Place Theatre: installation of new accessible toilet facilities and an infra-red hearing system
- Navan Centre: installation of outdoor sensory play equipment and upgrades to the exit path
- People’s Park, Portadown: installation of a wheelchair swing, accessible sand digger and sensory play panels and upgrade to changing places facility
- South Lake Leisure Centre: a wheelchair accessible boat supported by the Wheelyboat Trust.
For more information on inclusive facilities and activities, please visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/inclusive
