The first changing places toilet in the North York Moors National Park is now available for public use at Sutton Bank National Park Centre.
Its opening is the latest milestone in a series of improvement works that have seen the landscapes of the North York Moors made more accessible than ever before.
Changing places toilets offer enhanced accessibility by providing essential equipment like adjustable benches, hoists and extra space for caregivers.
They aim to ensure dignity, hygiene and comfort, allowing more people to visit beautiful areas and attend community events without facing the barrier of inadequate facilities.
The radar key-operated toilet has been funded as part of a grant from National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative.
Chris Pye, manager of Sutton Bank National Park Centre, said: “We have always worked hard to ensure as many people as possible had access to the famous Sutton Bank views, but over the last two years, this has really switched up a gear.
“We now have two all-terrain Tramper vehicles available to hire through our partnership with Outdoor Mobility and a choice of two stunning trails, including to Kilburn White Horse.
“We’re incredibly proud to be adding a Changing Places toilet to our list of facilities, as we know these make such a crucial difference to so many families.”
All-terrain trampers are now available at seven locations across the North York Moors, with a new vehicle and trail launched at Danby Lodge National Park Centre earlier this month.
Both national park centres also have robust, custom-built wheelchairs available to borrow free of charge.
Danby Lodge also has a new playground opening shortly before the summer holidays.
The playground features a level platform that provides wheelchair access to the top of a double-width slide.
Lucy Heal, manager of Danby Lodge National Park Centre, said: “It’s very exciting for us to have launched our first Tramper trail that extends in a circular loop around our grounds and even through to Crow Wood.
“Our new playground offers so much more for children that have additional accessibility requirements and it’s been an absolute delight to see this being enjoyed over summer.”
More information on accessible attractions and the outdoor mobility tramper hire scheme can be found at northyorkmoors.org.uk/access-for-all
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