Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton has been praised royally by one of our clients, who has a life limiting disability.
Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton has been praised royally by one of our clients, who has a life limiting disability. Coming back to swimming after a serious illness has been a long-held wish for her…. and it is now her reality every week! This has been made possible by the excellent access at Parklands Leisure Centre, combined with help from our clients lovely Care Professionals and the lifeguards.
The Leisure Centre is disabled friendly, with great wheelchair parking accessible close to the entrance. The double doors at the entrance allow wheelchair access, though they can be a bit heavy to open by hand. Kindly, the swimming pool has put a button on the outside which opens the doors automatically and makes it more accessible for wheelchair users.
Our client gives glowing compliments to the staff, who ‘are there to welcome you and guide you in the direction of the disabled changing rooms’. This changing room is a well sized space with a toilet, shower and shower seat for people to sit down on.
‘If a person can’t enter the pool using the pool steps the lifeguards will kindly support you all the way till the person enters the water.’ Hannah notes. The lifeguard will also help you out of the water so you can go to the changing rooms and warm up with a shower!
Hannah sums up the experience as ‘pleasurable and very enjoyable’.
Hannah’s disability has meant that everyday activities are made harder by limited disability access to certain places. So, centres like Parklands Leisure make everyday moments a joy for Hannah. We absolutely love seeing Hannah so happy and enjoying these activities.