ALBERT PARK, MIDDLESBROUGH

ONE hundred and forty years ago, Albert Park was gifted to the people of Middlesbrough by Henry Bolckow - a "People's Park" for their recreation. Around £4.5m has been awarded to revamp the ageing park and this is being tackled in two phases. The first phase has recently been completed, providing a good opportunity to try out the new improvements from the perspective of a wheelchair user.

"Outbreaks of brightness" was the promise of the weather forecaster on the day of my planned visit - a cause for optimism, perhaps? I had been in touch with Barbara Smith of the Friends of Albert Park (FOAP), who kindly agreed to meet me at the disabled car park, situated off Park Road South. Contact was made initially via the FOAP website, which provides much helpful background information but struggles to keep up with the many changes that are taking place. It is worth, therefore, double checking some details with a phonecall.

Barbara introduced me to Terry Dove, the Senior Park Ranger, and John Miles, FOAP's chairman. The plan was to tour the park together, getting to know more about planned developments whilst taking a good look at the recently completed ones.

My first criticism was that the car park where we met wasn't signposted from the road, nor from the main entrance by the cenotaph where most would naturally try to park. This could easily be rectified - a great benefit at little cost.

We headed west towards the West Lodge along the perimeter path. There is to be a major upgrade of paths, which is welcome, but most wheelchair users would cope well with the generally level, tarmac surfaces that abound in the park.

West Lodge, described in FOAP's Walk Around Albert Park as somewhere where "hot drinks and snacks are served every day between 1pm and 4pm..." was strictly hard-hat territory during restoration work, so no refreshments can be served at present, although it is hoped to restore these shortly. Again, I suggested that a sign saying where alternative venues serving refreshments can be found would be useful - if not a lifesaver - for some.

We turned east along the West Walk (not as confusing as it must sound). Delightfully, the noticeboard hereabouts that seeks to keep us all up to date with new developments informs us that, on one of the walks, "only the cheery trees will be removed". No outbreaks of brightness here then. As we passed the bowling greens to our left, Terry was keen to tell of the ramps with handrails which provide better access to these. Bowlers with disabilities are most welcome with facilities provided, including disabled toilets, in the nearby Pavilion.

To our right we passed a totem pole from which, we noted, we were separated by a short expanse of grass. We all agreed that a small path leading to attractions such as this, which are scattered around the park, would open up exhibits to those who are uncomfortable walking or wheeling over grass. A similar problem exists at the picnic area near the fountain where access to the tables is only possible again over grass. Another picnic area does exist, however, at the nearby children's play area. Trevor was proud to point out that these are accessible over tarmac paths and two tables allow wheelchair access right up to them.

Passing new accessible toilet blocks to our left, we discussed the idea of using RADAR locks and with keys available at the visitor centre. This met with general approval and it is now hoped to incorporate this into future plans at all toilets around the park. Impressive too, was the tactile map of the children's play area, clearly identifying the layout of the equipment for those with impaired vision.

The sun shone brightly now as we approached the visitor centre that overlooks the spruced-up lake and gives out onto the perfectly accessible new roller-skating rink. A ramp took us up to the patio area where we had a refreshing drink overlooking the sparkling water.

Drinks are served at Den's Diner - an outbreak of brightness indeed - where staff were more than willing to assist carrying drinks to tables. Sadly, the architect who designed the disabled toilet here was nowhere near as inspired as the designers of the children's play area. Someone has managed to create a situation where it is almost impossible to turn a wheelchair in the narrow corridor to gain access to the toilet. Once inside though, if you make it, there is enough room for a whist drive and dance. An unfortunate error in an otherwise delightful location.

At the cafZ I met Stuart Johnson, Albert Park's manager, who was most receptive to concerns about disabled access. He informed me that an audit on access had recently been completed and he looks forward to acting on the suggestions he receives back from this. Also, both FOAP and the park rangers are happy to discuss needs with anyone planning a visit and requiring a little extra help. With such a committed and welcoming team, there is cause for optimism and a prospect of the park being truly, again, a park for all people.

Location: mile south of Middlesbrough town centre

FOAP Secretary: Barbara Smith Contact via website: www.communigate.co.uk/ne/foap

Senior Park Ranger: Terry Dove Tel: (01642) 81980.

Published: 29/10/2002