Disabled people have celebrated the opening of a new toilet with hoists and adult-size changing benches at Dulwich Park.
They will now be able to fully enjoy the park, which already has accessible parking, wide flat pathways and a level-access cafe.
It’s been made possible after Southwark Council received £120,000 from the government’s Changing Places Fund.
The money has also gone towards a new disabled toilet in the Una Marson Library, Walworth, and upgrades to one at Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre.
After conversations with local stakeholders, including disabled people and carers, Dulwich Park was identified as a priority location for a new Changing Places toilet.
Dulwich Park is also home to Whippersnappers, an inclusive activity provider that recently secured funding from Southwark Council to deliver weekend and school holiday schemes for disabled children and young people over the next three years.
The new Changing Places toilet will ensure children with a range of care needs can access the Whippersnappers schemes.
Cllr Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We know being able to enjoy our beautiful parks and open spaces is so important for people’s health and wellbeing.
“We want to make our parks as accessible to people as possible, and we really hope this will encourage more disabled people and their families or carers to come and enjoy the loveliness of Dulwich Park.
“Being able to do something as simple as use the toilet comfortably and with dignity should be available to everyone and I am so pleased this is now available to our disabled residents and visitors in Dulwich.”