Wheelchair User Encounters Difficulty at Riverside Park
A 90-year-old wheelchair user, Joyce Williams, has expressed criticism of a new park in Glasgow, which promotes itself as accessible, after her wheelchair became stuck on a whin dust path.
Joyce recounted her experience to BBC Scotland, describing feelings of embarrassment and frustration when her wheelchair ceased to move at Riverside Park located at Govan Graving Docks.
Whin dust, a fine aggregate derived from compacted whinstone, is intended to provide a relatively firm surface. Despite this, Joyce required assistance from two strangers to lift her wheelchair off the path.
Park's Accessibility Under Review
The Govan Graving Docks Trust stated that the park's landscape architect and contractor would investigate the issue and implement necessary repairs.
The park, which opened in March, is advertised as a new and accessible public space for the Govan community.
Joyce Williams Shares Her Experience
Joyce explained:
"I looked it up and it said online the park was wheelchair accessible.
"I got a taxi there and the driver said 'I don't know if you'll make it down that path, it won't work with a wheelchair'. I thought I would risk it."
She described that approximately halfway along the path, her wheelchair wheels stopped turning, likening the sensation to "getting your car stuck in sand."
"I just had to wait in the rain until two people came along and offered to move me - but they could have been anyone.
"It was a nasty experience and I think it's a disgrace that it happened. Was it tested out with people in wheelchairs to make sure it was OK?
"Did they just take the specifications from the contractor and assume it was fine?"
Other Accessibility Concerns Raised
Joyce is not alone in noting issues at the new park. A review on Euan's Guide, a platform that rates places based on accessibility, mentioned that the path's sand-like surface is problematic for scooter wheels, with the reviewer nearly becoming bogged down multiple times.
Additionally, Joyce criticized the design of the park's bench seats, pointing out the absence of armrests and backrests.
"Anyone who's old like me and has rusty knees can't use them, as you'd never be able to get back up again.
"It's wrong for an ageing population - they're doing this in other places across the city now, and it's ridiculous."
Project Delivery and Response
The Govan Graving Docks Trust, in collaboration with site owners New City Vision and Glasgow City Council, delivered the park project.
The trust, which aims to regenerate the wider docks area through various initiatives, has reviewed the accessibility concerns and engaged with the park's design team.
A spokesperson for the trust commented:
"Transport Scotland guidance notes that 'whin or granite dust path will provide a smooth and firm surface that is suitable for all user groups'.
"We have asked the landscape architect and contractor to meet on site to identify the reasons for the failure of the path in certain locations.
"Once this has been established remedial action will be completed to ensure that the path is accessible to wheelchair users.
"We apologise for any inconvenience that this has caused in the meantime."
BBC Scotland understands that the trust is also considering the addition of seats with backrests and armrests.
Disability Equality Scotland Emphasizes Inclusive Design
A spokesperson for Disability Equality Scotland stated:
"Everyone has the right to enjoy public spaces, and that must include disabled people. Access should be considered from the start and meet legal duties to remove barriers.
"It is vital that disabled people are meaningfully consulted on projects like this, because lived experience is key to understanding what works in practice. What may seem like a minor design choice can create significant problems."
