Sports England launch new guidance document entitled ‘Accessible Sports Facilities’
In April 2010, Sport England updated and renamed their guidance note formerly known as “Access for Disabled People” to “Accessible Sports Facilities”. The purpose of the guidance note is to advice on meeting the requirements of the widest range of people in the design, operation and maintenance of sports facilities, by following the principles of ‘Inclusive Design’. The guidance note considers the requirements of parents with young children, older people, alongside the needs of people with disabilities (sensory, cognitive, mental health and mobility impairments).
Some of the main points from the guidance note include:
- When designing a sports facility it is necessary to understand how people will use the facility as a whole, from transport links, to initial approach, through to specific areas, for example the changing rooms, the social area and activity spaces.
- All sports facilities should have at least one clearly signposted unisex accessible WC cubicle on every floor of the facility. Designers should also consider cultural and religious implications of their proposals. Also, at least one unisex accessible changing room complete with shower and toilet should be provided.
- As the design of sports wheelchairs are now 1.2m wide it is essential to establish a ‘Sports Chair Zone’ within the facility where sports chair access is required. The zone is designed to allow large sports chairs to manoeuvre freely and easily throughout circulation routes and the elements within it, such as doors and lobbies.
- The procurement of accessible fitness equipment should be considered and the layout of the facilities should reflect this. Equipment such as submersible platform lifts provides a flexible and more dignified means of entering a swimming pool for a person with limited mobility.
- The design of signage should be clear and logical. Consideration should be given to font type, size, colour contrast, and location.
Follow the link for further information on the guidelines or to download a copy.
