Woodside Playing Fields has undergone a near £100k upgrade, which includes a "state-of-the-art" disabled toilet.
The popular recreational spot in Watford has made strides towards inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability with the upgrade from Watford Borough Council.
The council oversaw the £94,500 refurbishment of the toilet block at Woodside Playing Fields, utilising a grant provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC).
The refurbishments include installing a new Changing Places toilet facility designed for individuals with disabilities and their carers.
The new toilet accommodates a height-adjustable changing bench, a ceiling hoist system, and generous space for manoeuvre, ensuring ease, safety, and dignity for users.
Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: "I’m delighted that we’ve been able to install this new Changing Places toilet and a new water fountain at Woodside Playing Fields.
"It is really important that everyone can enjoy our fantastic parks in Watford.
"These improvements will reduce the amount of plastic we use and will make our park more accessible too.
"The team did a great job to secure the funding needed for this and made sure the project was completed to such a high standard."
The new improvements aim to enhance the amenities for all community members enjoying the fields.
The installation of a taller pitched roof accommodates the hoist system in the new facilities, forming a significant part of the renovations.
A water fountain has also been added, complete with an integrated dog bowl, which provides access to free drinking water and aims to reduce plastic consumption from water bottles.
The pathway leading to the toilets has been resurfaced to prioritise improved accessibility and ease of access, ensuring visitors of varying abilities can perfectly utilise the new features.
Councillor Tim Williams, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, said: "Adding public drinking water fountains in our Green Flag award-winning parks is really important.
"It enables residents enjoying recreational activities in the parks to stay hydrated, particularly during activities like walking, jogging, sports, and utilising outdoor gyms or playgrounds.
"These fountains offer a convenient way to refill reusable drinking bottles, thereby reducing the volume of plastic waste destined for landfills."
For more information, including locations of Changing Places across the UK, visit changing-places.org/find.
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