Changing Places for Carrickfergus, thanks to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
Monday 17 February 2025
A new Changing Places facility at Marine Gardens Park in Carrickfergus has now officially opened.
This innovative unit marks an important milestone in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, providing an essential service for people of all abilities.
The Changing Places facility is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that the park remains a welcoming and functional space for everyone, regardless of mobility challenges.
With this new unit now operational, visitors can enjoy the park and its surroundings with confidence, knowing their basic needs are well catered for.
Mayor of Mid and east Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said the new addition represented a key step in ensuring that the needs of all park-goers were met.
“I am thrilled to see that this facility is now in place,” she said.
“Following the full refurbishment of the play park at Marine Gardens, which includes a wide range of play options for everyone, the Changing Places unit will ensure that the needs of all visitors are met.
“The location the Changing Places unit caters for visitors to Marine Garden Park but also visitors to the town and other key attractions.”
The Changing Places unit, which offers specialised equipment and ample space for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities and other complex needs, complements the wider vision of an inclusive public space.
This project is another example of the Council’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and to ensure that everyone can enjoy the full range of attractions in Carrickfergus and beyond.
The provision of the Changing Places unit allows people with disabilities to fully participate in community life and enjoy the same recreational opportunities as others.
The accessible toilet includes features like height-adjustable changing tables and hoists, offering a safe and comfortable environment for visitors who may require more space and support.
The installation of the Changing Places facility follows a recent refurbishment of Marine Gardens Park’s play area, which now includes a wider variety of equipment designed for children of all abilities.
The newly designed space ensures that children, families, and visitors with varying needs can all access and enjoy the park’s many features.
In addition to the Changing Places facility, the park offers several other amenities, including seating areas, landscaped gardens, and accessible paths, ensuring that it is a welcoming environment for everyone.
This project was made possible through a generous £30,000 funding contribution from the Department for Communities’ Access and Inclusion Fund. The funding has enabled the creation of a facility that will not only improve the accessibility of Marine Gardens Park but also contribute to making Carrickfergus and the wider borough a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council remains dedicated to providing safe, inclusive spaces for all residents and visitors. The opening of the Changing Places facility is a testament to the ongoing commitment to ensuring that public spaces across the borough are accessible, enabling everyone to fully participate in community life.