Overview

West Bank park is a 20-acre park located in Holgate, just outside the city centre. There is a large woodland area where there are paths to follow through the trees. Next to this is a meadow area with picnic benches. The park has 2 very well maintained bowling greens which are often in use by West Bank Park Bowling Association, there are benches along the periphery to sit and watch. For children and teenagers there are two playgrounds - one for under eleven years, the other for over eleven's. The park also has a basketball court which is accessible when the park is open. There is a pergola walk, with roses and flowers to either side, but this does contain steps. The alternative path is wide and even, it is set on a slope and there are a few benches along the way to stop and rest if needed.. There are toilets in the park and a small car park nearby. The park is set along a main road between York city centre and Acomb, and this has numerous bus services running along it.

Transport & Parking

There is a small car park near one of the entrances to the park. This does not have any designated disabled spaces or any spaces outlined. There is a small side road between the car park and park entrance, both sides have drop kerbs. It is also possible to park on the residential streets near the park entrances but this is not guaranteed. There are numerous bus services passing on the main road between the city centre / train station and Acomb, another entrance to the park is located on this road. There are bus stops very close to the entrance on both sides of the road. There are drop kerbs and a central island if the road needs crossing to get to the park entrance. Each of the four entrances to the park have level access and the gates are held open during the parks opening hours. The openings are wide.

Access

There is a wide, even path that stretches between each entrance to the park, so it is possible to go from one end of the park to the other by staying on the path. Next to the path are lots of benches to stop for a rest or simply sit and soak up the environment, most benches have an open area next to them so that a wheelchair can be placed alongside. Some of the paths are on a slope, but there is seating close by if a rest is needed. The woodland area is not accessible for mobility aids due to the woodchip paths and uneven terrain. There are areas which contain steps but there are alternative routes to bypass these if needed. The steps in the rose pagoda walk has a handrail on either side.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet available which also doubles as a baby change. The toilet is opened by a radar key and swings outwards. The toilet has a grab rail attached to the wall on the left side and has a drop down rail on the right. There are also rails next to the sink. The toilet is a high toilet which helps with standing. There is an alarm cord in the corner of the toilet. The score is knocked down because whilst the toilet itself was clean and any rubbish was contained in a bin, the floor of the toilet looked dirty and this makes the whole cubicle appear unsanitary.

Staff

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The toilet could be updated and the flooring changed to make it look more inviting. Having designated disabled parking in the car park would be good as parking in the residential streets cannot be guaranteed or may not have as much space to get in and out of the car.