New Changing Places Toilet Opens at Boscawen Park, Truro

In a significant development for inclusivity and accessibility, the Truro City Council has announced the official opening of a new Changing Places toilet at the Boscawen Park Tennis Pavilion.

The ceremony was marked by Truro Mayor Carol Swain cutting a ribbon, signifying the completion of the final part of the council-led project at Boscawen Park.

Funding and Facilities

The project, aimed at enhancing the park’s amenities, received grant funding from the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The Boscawen Park project has already seen several additions, including the Café in the Park, new tennis changing and shower rooms, extra public conveniences with an accessible toilet and baby changing unit, and a room for the Truro Loops project. Furthermore, the City Council coordinated the resurfacing of the adjacent car park, improving accessibility and convenience for visitors.

Design and Purpose

The Changing Places toilet is designed to cater to individuals who find standard accessible toilets inadequate. Equipped with adult-sized height adjustable changing benches, height adjustable wash basins, hoists, privacy screens, and space for carers, these facilities are pivotal in addressing the needs of people with disabilities and their families. Carol expressed the council’s commitment to meeting the needs of all residents and visitors, highlighting the importance of such facilities in enabling people with disabilities and their families to enjoy the park and surrounding areas confidently.

Further Developments

In line with the council’s efforts to enhance accessibility across the city, another Changing Places facility is set to open as part of an upgrade to the public toilets on Green Street. This upgrade, a collaborative effort between Truro City Council, Cornwall Council, and the Truro Town Deal Board, aims not only to refurbish existing toilets but also to introduce the city centre’s first fully accessible public facility. Slated for completion in May, this project will also add a new disabled parking space and a mural, further beautifying and improving the city’s public spaces.

The introduction of these Changing Places toilets represents a significant step forward in making Truro a more inclusive and accessible city for everyone, reaffirming the community’s commitment to catering to the needs of all its residents and visitors.