Information on Redesign
Finding Ways to Improve Inclusivity
This will provide information about existing features that will be redesigned within Sydney Park. Providing information about how these changes will improve all peoples access to Sydney Park.
Signage
Signage is an essential part of any public space as it provides people with the necessary directions to explore and find the facilities within a public space. Sydney Park's existing signage provides maps with directions to the most significant locations and entries. However, Sydney Park signage faces inclusivity issues concerning the consideration of people with visual impairments and physical disabilities.
The existing signage does not provide these features:
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Braille writing for the significant locations of the park.
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Protruded features on the map signify the structure of the park.
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Indication of pathing accessibility within the park.
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Consideration of Signage height for people in low-to-the-ground wheelchairs.
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Indication of wheelchair-safe ramping.
These factors can act as a hindrance, obstructing people's access to particular areas. The existing Sydney Park Signage does not contain any indication of such factors, making it difficult for people with visual impairments and physical disabilities to navigate through the facilities of Sydney Park.
Proposed changes
For the redesigned signage structure the additional features that will be included will be braille writing to express the significant locations on the map for the visually impaired. Extruded features and symbols to help visually impaired people understand the layout of the map throughout the park. The addition of 3 types of lines to represent the pathing: Accessible pathing, Gravel/dirt pathing and distressed pavement pathing. The relocation of signage to a more horizontal and lower-down position allows people with wheelchairs to access the signage and people with visual impairments to feel across the signage and map. Improving inclusivity with Sydney Park features
Images of existing Signage
Tactile Pavement
Inclusivity Through Guidance
The consideration of visually impaired accessibility for pathing has not occurred except for the entry and exit of staircases, as they have applied blistering paving. This acts as a warning block, indicating there are stairs ahead. However, the application of guidance tactile pavement has occurred through Sydney Park, providing no route or path to follow. This leaves people who are visually impaired with little to no information about how to navigate Sydney Park, creating inaccessibility for the visually impaired. as the addition of guidance and blister pavement indicates the safety of the path forward.
Pavement Quality
Ensuring safe access
The quality of pathing may also play a role in accessibility due to highly damaged or unstable pathing obstructing wheelchair access. Sydney Park has many asphalt, dirt and gravel pathing. pathing that is fatigued, cracked or uneven, can obstruct wheelchairs, such as wheelchairs.
Proposed Changes
Inclusivity Improvments
Application of Guidance pavement throughout Sydney Park to provide pathing and navigational information for the visually impaired. Blistering pavement at any stairs or directional changes to ensure safe protection of the visually impaired. The levelling of gravel/dirt pathways in areas such as the wetlands ensures smooth and easy access for people using wheelchairs.
Benches and Tables
The existing benches and tables of Sydney Park are your traditional public furniture designs, of wooden seats, back supports and tables. These designs do not adhere to AS1428 and the disability discrimination act as they do not provide access and support for people who cannot exit their wheelchairs. This creates an inclusivity issue for Sydney park as they are not considering the needs of all people.
Proposed changes
For the seating, a space will be created in between seating to slot in wheelchairs and the addition of extra handrests for greater support. For public tables, a space will also be created where the seat is located to slot in a wheelchair.
Wetlands
Entry issues
The existing wetlands have 3 main entries, the two stone staircases and the rubble path. The existing rubble path has a stone hump sticking out at the start of the entrance and the stone staircases are unevenly structured, making it highly inaccessible for people with physical disabilities. The existing staircases have no railings or support handles creating a safety issue for all people. This does not adhere to the disability discrimination act, as features such as handrails, safety ramps and smooth pathways are essential for safer and easier access to public space.
Safety issues
Another consideration is visual impairment. Due to there being no directional signage indicating where the wetlands are, and how to enter them. People with visual impairments will face issues with finding and entering the wetlands of Sydney Park. The existing stairs also play the role of a safety hazard as there is no existing stoppage in front of the staircases to prevent accidents.
Proposed changes
For greater inclusivity within Sydney Park Wetlands, there will be an application of safety ramps to replace the stone stairs, tactile pavement across pathways to provide directions, levelled pathways, restructuring of rubble pathways to higher quality materials, redesigned park furniture, redesigned directional signage and a bridge across the wetlands. Applying such features will provide high-quality directions, comfort and safety upon entry into Sydney Park's wetlands. Providing extra support and places of rest to ensure all people can enjoy Sydney Park's wetlands.