As winter winds down, families across the country are looking forward to getting back outside. While spending time in nature is meant to be stress-free, families and caregivers of children and adults with disabilities often face the challenge of finding a location that offers a safe, inclusive restroom with an adult changing table.
For designers, facility managers, builders, and everyone in-between, this lack of universal restrooms needs to be addressed to allow all guests access to these outdoor venues. Here are five types of outdoor venues that would greatly benefit from adding an adult changing table.
Zoos
The busiest time of year for zoos tends to be the summer months. Installing universal changing tables across zoos ensures families can explore the zoo with access to safe, equitable restroom facilities.
National and State Parks
National and state parks attract guests of all ages each year, making them the perfect place for an adult changing table. Since these locations are quite large, placing universal restrooms throughout each park, not just in one area, would help ensure all guests are sufficiently accommodated.
Some parks, like the Tennessee State Parks, are paving the way for inclusivity by including adult changing tables in ten of their state parks, with plans for more in the future.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds should be a welcome space for all individuals of all abilities. Having a universal changing table means that a wider range of children and families will be able to visit and have a fun experience outside.
Blendon Woods Metro Park, located in Columbus, Ohio, sets a positive example by not only featuring accessibility improvements throughout its playground, but also including a universal changing table in its restroom facilities.
Splash Pads and Pools
Splash pads and pools are another popular location for families to gather over the warmer months of the year. By including universal restrooms in these spaces, more people will feel welcome to visit.
In San Antonio, Texas, Morgan’s Inspiration Island sets a great example as an ultra-accessible waterpark, with their mission of inclusion for all.
Theme and Amusement Parks
Theme parks are another environment that experience their peak season during the spring and summer months. Including universal changing tables across a theme park will make the location an inclusive, safe place for families with children with disabilities to visit.
Several theme parks, from Disney World in Florida to Story Land Amusement Park in New Hampshire, already feature an adult changing table to accommodate their guests.
Inclusive Spaces Matter
Public venues should be designed to serve everyone in the community. By including an adult changing table, venues can ensure more people, caregivers, and families feel welcome.
For an easy way to find an adult or universal changing table anywhere in the United States, visit Changing Spaces Interactive Map.
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