Gosford Park has been named as having the Best Changing Places Toilet in Northern Ireland in 2026.
The award from the Changing Places Toilet Consortium, is in recognition of the excellent facility which has brought enhanced accessibility to many visitors at the popular forest park near Markethill.
In 2022, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council opened two new modular Changing Places toilet facilities at Gosford Forest Park and Lurgan Park, funded through the Access and Inclusion Programme from the Department of Communities.
Lord Mayor of ABC Borough, Cllr Mary O’Dowd expressed her delight with the award. She said: “This brilliant amenity makes Gosford more inclusive and accessible for everyone who visits. I would like to thank our council officers who look after the Changing Places Toilet and ensure that this facility is maintained to the highest standard as a vital and valued asset to our park.”
The toilet provides a hygienic, safe and comfortable facility for disabled people and carers. Larger than a standard disabled facility, the toilet offers space to manoeuvre a wheelchair, with up to two carers present.
To access the Changing Places Toilets, visitors require a RADAR key. Any disabled person living in the ABC Borough can get a RADAR Key, which also gives access to any public toilet in the UK that has been fitted with a RADAR corresponding lock for protection against vandalism or misuse.
RADAR keys are available from the Council Depot in Armagh, the Civic Building in Banbridge and the Civic Centre in Craigavon. For further information please visit – https://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/inclusiveabc/#radarkeys
