We love seeing so many Changing Places bathrooms being built around Australia, especially knowing the positive impact it will have on so many people with a disability and their loved ones.
For those unfamiliar with the facility, Changing Places bathrooms are specially designed for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. They offer additional features that help ensure people who need a hoist or an adult-size change bed can enjoy a day out, knowing the bathroom facilities they need are available. Cooper Street Reserve, in the southern Sydney suburb of Engadine has a fantastic all-abilities playground so it’s wonderful to see a Changing Places bathroom being included in the design.
Changing Places at Cooper Street Reserve EngadineÂ
The Changing Places bathroom at Cooper Street Reserve in Engadine, offers extra space and equipment including a height-adjustable changing bench and a ceiling track hoist.
Visitors need to have a MLAK key to access the Changing Places bathroom because these bathroom facilities need to be secured to ensure the specialised equipment is not vandalised.
We were driving by late in the day and the family stayed in the car while I dashed in to check out this facility so I’m not sure if it was me, but I found the lock on this change bed difficult to unlock. We don’t need the change bed in accessible bathrooms but I usually just flip them down to take a photo to share, but this one had a lock down low that I couldn’t manage to unlock. I’m hoping it was more me being in a hurry than the lock itself being a problem.
For anyone wishing to use the hoist to access the toilet, the ceiling track hoist runs the length of the room from the change bed to the toilet. A privacy screen is available to use around the toilet if needed.
Grab rails lift up beside the toilet to allow for transfers and a shower bench is provided in the shower area.
Lever taps and an accessible sink are also provided.
Multiple accessible parking spaces are available on the roadway near the toilet block.
For anyone travelling to the South Coast from Sydney needing the facilities offered by this bathroom, this Changing Places at Engadine is only a small detour from the route so might be a good toilet stop to schedule along the way.
There’s also a wonderful all-abilities playground which might be good for any family members that need a break from the car. More on that soon.
