One of the easiest ways to ensure that Accessible park walks are as Accessible as possible, is to plan the route from your front door. A technically Accessible trip can still be tiring if the station lift is not working, the pavement is narrowed by roadworks and has to be traversed by those with mobility problems, and the only accessible entrance to the park is some distance from the bus stop. Good planning of Accessible trips involves looking for the connection between public transport, street crossings, park paths, seating, and return journeys.
Start with the complete journey
Planning a route includes more than just calculating the distance from a public transport stop to a park entrance. The entire journey to and from the park needs to be taken into account, including getting to the stop, changing on the public transport, crossing roads, entering the park and returning home again. A couple of 'difficult' sections along the way can have a big impact on the perceived length of the overall trip and how tiring it is.
Check whether your journey involves use of a lift, ramp or low-floor boarding. This can be critical to your journey and allow time for changes such as transfering between platforms. It's also worth checking for alternative stops or routes for your return journey and checking the latest public transport information from the operators for your journey as well as the accessibility information on their website.
When planning a journey to a park, the start point may not be the closest public transport stop. Looking for a start point with a level pavement, cross roads etc and a direct route to the park entrance could be more suitable than a few minutes saving on a journey of several kilometers.
Check the entrance, surface and gradient
Many park maps have entrances described as 'accessible' or 'within wheelchair access' but this does not necessarily mean that all gates, doors and paths within the park are suitable for all visitors. Look for descriptions of steps, sharp approaches, narrow gates and pathways and surface condition of paths beyond the park entrance.
Many wheelchair-friendly trails and other accessible paths have deteriorated somewhat since they were opened. Thus it is wise to make regular checks for cracks, water, sharp edges, soft spots, fallen trees etc including any temporary obstructions such as concrete blocks etc. Moreover a surface that is OK in dry weather may become very slippery or even muddy in wet weather.
Many routes for accessible park walks are listed on web sites and are described as 'accessible'. Be aware that such routes can change as a result of maintenance work, seasonal growth and weather. Try to find out about recent changes and plan an alternative if recent local information is not available. If a route does have an accessible path try to plan a route that goes into the park via more than one entrance. Try to avoid making the most difficult part of the walk the return!
Build in rest, toilet and weather options
A good accessible walk needs somewhere to stop along the way for a rest before you get too tired. So look for benches, for somewhere to sit in a shelter, for accessible toilets where they are provided.
Be aware of the symptoms of illness during a walk. If you start to feel pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, numbness or loss of balance then stop and either sit down or return home. Seek medical help for persistent or severe symptoms of illness.
Most illnesses can be treated by remaining outdoors and keeping hydrated but if symptoms get worse or you experience an emergency situation then call for local emergency help.
Use a practical pre-departure check
Make sure you have sufficient battery power for your mobile to check public transport information or for emergencies to contact others for assistance. For your outing check the opening hours for the park or country park and the weather forecast.
Make a check of your wheelchair, mobility scooter, walking aid or supportive footwear before setting off. Check for low tyre pressure, loose parts, worn tips of mobility aids, and worn or weak brakes. It's easier to sort out any problems with your mobility equipment before you set off for your outing rather than having to deal with them when you are away from home. Do not attempt to travel on an under powered mobility aid and travel on a difficult route. Instead try to sort out the problem with your mobility equipment before you set off on your journey.
Don't set off without telling someone with whom you have said you will be, where you intend to go and when you expect to return. This person must have some idea of the time that you intend to return and this should be allowed for but also be flexible in case of unexpected delay, especially if you have had to change in some way along the way.
Know what should trigger a change of plan
Caution and/or cessation of a walk should be exercised depending on the health condition of the person using the route. For example, a blocked accessible entrance to a park, an out-of-service lift with no alternative, flooding on a path, serious damage to a surface and/or a broken handrail to a path should not be viewed as 'inconvenient' to negotiate and alternative routes and/or return home should be considered and problems reported to relevant transport and/or park authorities where appropriate.
Just as you would seek local emergency help in the event of an acute crisis, such as symptoms of a heart attack, worsening pain, or sudden weakness, worsening pain, or repeated loss of balance whilst on a trip means that you need to seek local medical help. Pay attention to your symptoms, and seek help if they worsen. General health and safety guidance can vary from place to place, and it is always best to refer to current and local information, as well as to your own health care plan and that of your traveling companions.
With a good approach to urban outdoor activities accessible park walks are manageable and reliable if planned as a system including transport, roads, entrances, paths, facilities and return journeys to places of departure. Warning signs of potential problems should be heeded and amongst these are potential maintenance problems which can be useful to know about in advance.
