Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) and St Neots Town Council (SNTC) are pleased to announce a series of improvement works at Riverside Park, St Neots, aimed at increasing accessibility for park users.
The enhancements include the installation of a 'changing places' toilet facility and footpath improvements to the park. These works aim to make the park more welcoming and accessible to individuals of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the natural beauty and play provision it offers.
MATTHEW POWER PHOTOGRAPHY
The installation of the 'changing places' toilet has been made possible via a combination of grant funding secured by HDC, SNTC and Cambridgeshire County Council, including the DLUHC Changing Places Fund.
Clerk for St Neots Town Council, Chris Robson, said: "I'm delighted that through collaborative working between the Town Council and HDC we have been able to jointly provide a much-needed changing places facility in Riverside Park. When complete it will help to ensure the needs of all users of our parks, our events and the wider town are met and we continue to make progress to becoming a fully inclusive town."
Works to install the facility began on 15 April 2024 and are expected to conclude in June 2024. This specialised facility will be equipped with essential features including hoists, privacy curtains, and adult-sized changing benches. To ensure continued access during the construction phase, temporary toilets will be provided.
In addition to the Changing Places toilet, HDC is undertaking footpath improvements throughout Riverside Park. The project, funded by the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIL), reflects the council's commitment to improving local amenities and infrastructure, ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of the community and visitors alike.
The pathway improvements include the widening and resurfacing of pathways, improving accessibility for all users. Construction is anticipated to begin in May 2024 with planned completion at the end of the summer.
Assistant Director for HDC, Neil Sloper, said: "Ensuring that our parks are accessible to all members of the community is a top priority for HDC. We know that getting out in nature and spending time outdoors can drastically improve people's well-being, and projects like this show our dedication in ensuring that as many of our residents as possible can access these benefits. These improvements not only meet the needs of individuals with disabilities but also enhance the overall experience for our local communities and visitors alike, demonstrating our commitment to delivering on our objective of creating a better Huntingdonshire for future generations."
For more information on the project, go to Riverside Park Project page.