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You are here: Home > News > I Can Project Increases Access To Country Park

• ‘i can’ project increases access to country park

• Date:

  30th June 2008

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

Mobility scooters are now gracing the rolling hills of Queen Elizabeth Country Park thanks to a new project increasing the accessibility of this fantastic Green Flag Award site.

Hampshire County Council launched the ‘i can’ project in partnership with the South Downs Association of Disabled People and the East Hampshire Disability Forum.

The scheme provides three special off-road powered wheelchairs and a scooter that allows visitors with physical or sensory disabilities to zip through the outdoors with ease.

A special two mile route has been devised which takes people along woodland tracks and a special commentary service is also provided for those with visual impairment. Audio posts give snippets of interesting information about the park’s history and wildlife. Calls are charged and the cost varies according to the network supplier but will average less than £2.00 for the whole trail. Alternatively, the complete text is available for free on the parks website: http://www.hants.gov.uk/countryside/qecp

A second phase of the project involves a series of short films about key subject areas within the park, all of which can be seen in the theatre. All users regardless of ability or mobility will be able to access this information from the comfort of the centre and then the scooter and powered wheelchairs can be used if required.

Sue Williams, chairman of East Hampshire Disability Forum, said: ‘It’s a simple step but a great leap forward, putting the issue of disabled access on a different plane. It would not have been possible without the financial support of South Downs Sustainable Development Fund.’

The tours can be booked through the country park on (023) 9259 5040.