West Midland Safari and Leisure Park Accessibility Statement · 2019-04-17 · West Midland Safari and Leisure Park is a 200-acre site that combines a self-drive Safari and a

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West Midland Safari and Leisure Park

Accessibility Statement

January 2019

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Contents:

Park Description 3

Booking and Prices 4

Getting to the Park 5

Arrival 7

Car Park and Toilets 8

Pathways 9

Drive-Through Safari and Minibus Tour 10

Catering 11

Souvenir Shops 14

Discovery Trail 16

African Village 20

Daily Shows 22

Adventure Theme Park Rides 25

Games 30

Boj’s Giggly Park 31

Land of the Living Dinosaurs 32

Ice Age 33

Safari Academy 34

Venues & Events 35

Special Events 38

VIP Experiences 39

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Park Description West Midland Safari and Leisure Park is a 200-acre site that combines a self-drive Safari and a leisure area with live shows and attractions. The four-mile drive-through Safari represents species from all around the world including rhinos, giraffes, lions, tigers and elephants - and is generally conducted in the visitors’ own vehicle, or in a coach as part of an organised group excursion. After experiencing the four-mile Safari, guests follow the roadway to the main car park, which consists of hard-standing grass, designated disabled spaces and coach/minibus parking. The Discovery Trail is accessed via a paved pedestrianised roadway and comprises of the Sea Lion Theatre, Penguin Cove, Twilight Cave, Creepy Crawlies, SeaQuarium, Lorikeet Landing, Reptile House, Land of the Living Dinosaurs, Ice Age and the Hippo Lakes. The natural contours of the land means that some areas have differing gradients. These have been minimised wherever possible. African Village and Lemur Woods, housing meerkats, lemurs and goats, are also accessible by hard surface pedestrian walkways with wheelchair access. The Adventure Theme Park has a variety of family rides and games. Guests can either purchase a multi-ride wristband or ride tokens. The area also features Boj’s Giggly Park, a multi-sensory outdoor play area for younger guests.

“Our aim is to provide a safe, entertaining and memorable day out for all our guests.”

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Booking and Prices Full details of our opening hours are available on our website as they vary depending on the season, as do our prices. For an up-to-date price list, please visit our website at this address: www.wmsp.co.uk/tickets and select the date you wish to arrive. Certain dates may offer an online discount if booked at least one day in advance. Concessionary prices are available to students (valid Student ID required) and over 65s. Disabled guests are required to purchase the standard adult or child ticket; with that ticket they can include a free carer upon presenting one of the following documents: a DLA letter, PIP letter or Blue Badge. This entitles the carer to the same ticket as the guest: if the guest has bought a ticket for Admission and Rides, the carer will be able to use the Rides for free also. If the guest requires more than one carer, they can simply be added to the booking, but we will ask them to bring a headed letter with the number of required carers. Guests can book as normal by selecting the Adult or Child Ticket on our Buy Tickets webpage. The booking will indicate the ticket comes with zero carers; guests can use the drop-down button to indicate how many carers will be with them. Visually impaired guests are admitted free of charge together with a seeing guide to accompany them. Evidence of disability may be requested. Guide dogs are permitted to enter the pedestrianised areas of the Park. However, they are not allowed to enter the Safari Drive-through or any of the animal enclosures due to health and safety regulations. We do have kennels on site, which do not need to be pre-booked. Guests only need to enter the Park, stop by Reception (the building on the right of the pay kiosks), park in the five-minute waiting bay and speak to a member of staff. The person on Reception will ask for a returnable safety deposit and, in exchange, will give the guest a lock and key for the kennel. Group prices are also obtainable to any coaches or minibuses. Group prices are available for groups of 10 or more, all arriving in the same vehicle. If carers are required, we will need a headed letter indicating the number of carers needed per guest and they will be able to visit the park for free. For group prices, please call Reception on 01299 400700 and to see more details, please visit our website at this address: www.wmsp.co.uk/social-groups.

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Getting to the Park By Car You can plan your journey by visiting sites such as www.google.co.uk/maps or www.theaa.com/route-planner/index.jsp. Simply enter your postcode and ours - DY12 1LF. Signage towards the Park is frequent and is clear on all major roads leading towards the Park. The Entrance to the Park is recognised by its two distinctive large rock entrance signs. By Bus The bus service that runs past the Safari Park is as follows: 125 - Stourbridge to Bridgnorth via Kidderminster and Bewdley 291 - Kidderminster to Tenbury Wells via Bewdley 302 - Worcester to Bewdley via Droitwich Spa and Kidderminster To plan your journey, please visit www.traveline.info or call our office on 01299 402114. Please contact Central Buses on 0121 356 3487 to find out whether the specific bus you will take is accessible. By Train Kidderminster Train Station is the nearest to the Safari Park, but is still an 11-minute drive from the Park. For train times and prices, please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 48 49 50. Kidderminster Station is not staffed all the time; if you require assistance, it is recommended to book with a member of staff in advance via the London Midland Assisted Travel line on 0800 092 4260. All trains are equipped with ramps which all conductors are trained to use. No wheelchairs are available at Kidderminster Train Station. Taxis are available at the train station and can be pre-booked. By Taxi Taxis do have disabled access, but this needs to be requested when booking. It costs approximately £10 from Kidderminster Train Station to the Safari Park. Taxi companies in the area include: Regency Taxis, in Kidderminster on 01562 66666 Holland Taxis, in Kidderminster on 01562 824777 Bewdley Taxis, in Bewdley on 01299 405050 Taxi companies are usually willing to drive round the Safari Drive-through and would cost the price on the meter. Alternatively, the taxi driver will stop at the drop-off point, at the top of the drive, before the kiosks. Staff in Main Reception will happily assist any guests from the Drop-off Point to Main Reception.

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On Foot From the centre of Bewdley, it is a 40-minute walk to the Safari Park. Signposts are frequent and clear from Bewdley. Walk down Kidderminster Road (B4190). Arriving at a roundabout, continue along the Kidderminster Road (1st exit). This journey can be quite steep in a wheelchair, as guests would need to go up and down a hill and cross a busy main road. From the main road, keep walking down the hill until you see the entrance of the park, characterised by two lions on rocks with Safari Park written across them. Walk up the drive, along the right-hand side of the road. Upon reaching the top of the hill, you will see the kiosks and the Main Reception building. Make your way down the gradient and into Reception, where a member of staff will be able to process your tickets for you. Road surface is tarmac from the Entrance onwards and throughout the Park. Please note: we do not recommend guests walk up the drive as there is no pedestrianised area.

Drop-off Point Entrance of the Park

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Arrival Staff are positioned on the main drive to direct traffic and offer advice to guests on arrival. By Car Guests arriving in their own vehicle can pay at one of the 12 individual pay kiosks without having to leave their car. These have glass windows that can be opened to aid lip reading. We also have a hearing loop system installed which can be used in Reception. By Coach or Minibus Guests arriving by coach or minibus will be directed towards the yellow barrier on the left-hand side of the drive. The driver will be directed towards the coach parking. From there the driver will need to visit Main Reception to process the tickets. The coach and minibus parking is located past Reception, following the road round to the right, past the entrance to the walk-through areas. The bus will have to keep going ahead, past and then around the toilet block on the right; the parking will then be on the left. From there, it’s only a short walk to Main Reception, down a mild gradient. On Foot Once guests have walked in, they will have to visit Reception. The Reception Office is a single-story building with full access for wheelchairs. The reception desk has an accessible counter for wheelchair users. Seating is available in this area, with staff on hand at all times to offer assistance to guests.

Pay kiosks Coach entrance

Reception external

Reception internal Coach parking

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Car Park and Toilets Free on-site parking for all vehicles with 41 dedicated disabled spaces located adjacent to the entrance to the Lost City Plaza. It is a tarmac area on a decline towards the pedestrianised area. Parking bays are clearly marked, and spaces are on a first-come first-served basis. The nearest toilets are 100 to 200 metres up a slight incline and over the zebra crossing. A valid Blue Badge must be displayed in this area, although special arrangements can be made for guests who do not have a Blue Badge but still need priority parking. Staff will need to be notified of this prior to your arrival, if required. The toilets in the car park are situated to the right when driving towards the car park. Alongside them are two food stalls and a large picnic area with benches. The disabled toilets, like the men’s and women’s, is accessible via a large pathway down the middle of the building. The Disabled Toilets, Baby Changing Facilities and the Changing Places Toilet are located in the middle of the building. A manual door will have to be opened where assistance may be required. However, most often, the doors will be left open. There is sufficient turning space at this facility. Throughout these toilets, there is non-slip epoxy resin on the floor surface. Once inside the Disabled Toilet and Changing Facilities, there is a forward and angled transfer to the WC and a horizontal rail on the rear of the door. Additionally, there are rails (horizontal and vertical) by the sides of the toilet. The basin and lever taps have been lowered for easier access. All our Disabled Toilets throughout the Park have the same features. There is only one Changing Places Toilet on site. To access this Changing Facility, you will need a RADAR key. You will not need a RADAR key for the Disabled Toilets.

Accessible parking

Changing Places Toilet

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Pathways Paths around the Discovery Trail are mainly smooth tarmac. Entering the Lost City Plaza, the path is made of printed concrete, causing no problem to wheelchair users. This type of pathway is reused in certain areas such as the Twilight Cave and in front of Dino Diner. There are green areas around the Park, next to the Hippo Lakes and around the picnic tables. The Hippo Lakes can be seen from a viewing deck, accessible through a shop. This is a non-slip viewing deck. However, assistance up and down the deck may be needed. During difficult weather conditions, the deck will be shut for health and safety reasons. Around Boj’s Giggly Park, the paths are made of rubberised bark and artificial grass. Therefore, the ground is softer, but shouldn’t cause issues with wheelchair or mobility scooter users. Walkways through the Lemur Woods may cause complications as it is made of compacted

crushed stone. Assistance may be required, particularly during bad weather. Throughout the Park, there will be gradients. The slope leading towards the Adventure Theme Park may cause issues, particularly for mobility scooter users. Wheelchair users may need assistance due to its steepness. Zebra crossings are raised to aid any visually impaired guests and are located throughout the Park in any areas where guests need to be vigilant of vehicles.

Zebra crossing

Printed concrete

Compacted crushed

stone

Natural gradients

Hippo viewing deck

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Safari Drive-through and Minibus Tour Whilst guests are in the Safari Drive-through, there are no places to stop. Guests are not allowed to exit their vehicles. The Safari is fully accessible in guests’ own vehicles via a tarmac road surface. There are no maximum height restrictions on vehicles. Guests will be required to remove protruding objects such as ladders and roof racks as they may injure the animals. There are hills around the drive-through area and so guests need to be careful with their clutch and hill-starts. The Safari Drive-through also has individual large print species information boards. A guided Safari Minibus Tour is also available; however, these buses do not have wheelchair access as of yet. Guests with mobility difficulties are advised they can use the Minibus Tour, but they would need to be able to access the Minibus themselves. If a guest needs assistance, at least one member of staff will be present to help.

Minibus Entrance of Safari Drive-through

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Catering • Lost City Food Court As you enter the pedestrianised area of the Park, you will have to walk through the Lost City Plaza, where we have multiple food venues including The Sweet Shop, Pizza and Chicken and Pancake and Waffle. The Sweet Shop is the only one of the three which is accessible through a door. The other two are fully accessible due to there being no doors and the floor surface being flat. • Dino Diner Opposite the Reptile House, guests will find our Dino Diner, one of our bigger restaurants. This Diner offers table service once the food has been ordered at the till. However, the soft drinks are self-service. Members of staff are always on hand if any assistance is needed. The Diner is accessible through a set of double doors as well as an uphill gradient. Assistance may be required to enter the building. Once inside, the gradient continues as you are met by a member of staff who will place you at a table. Some tables and benches cannot be moved. We would suggest for any guests in a wheelchair or a mobility scooter to use the chairs and tables to the sides where they can be moved, simply for ease of access. Dino Diner also has toilets, including a disabled toilet.

The Sweet Shop Pizza and Chicken

Dino Diner entrance Outside Dino Diner

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• Adventure Food Court Much like the Lost City Food Court, the Adventure Food Court has a range of food venues accessible by wheelchair. This Food Court is located outside, in the Adventure Theme Park area, behind the Wristband Office. The floor surface is smooth and has a cover to keep guests dry while they order their food. Outdoor seating is located nearby.

• Burger Co. This venue has recently been refurbished and redecorated to look like an African shanty town and is located in the Adventure Theme Park area, not too far from the Adventure Food Court. This sit-down restaurant offers table service once food has been ordered.

Dino Diner internal entrance Dino Diner

Disabled Toilet in Dino Diner

Adventure Food Court (Closed during Winter)

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Similar to Dino Diner, soft drinks need to be collected once food has been ordered. Staff are able to assist if they have been made aware. This food venue has smooth flooring and has ample turning space. Burger Co. has indoor and outdoor seating. To access the indoor seating, there is one large door. Wheelchair users may require assistance in opening this door due to its weight. It is left open in good weather.

Burger Co. entrance door

Burger Co. internal

Burger Co. entrance

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Souvenir Shops • African Trading Co. This shop is located in the Lost City Plaza and is the closest to the disabled parking bays. To enter, guests will have to pull open one of the two large double doors. Once inside, there is a yellow barrier to help ease congestion. It is a spacious shop with sufficient turning space. Help will be willingly given by staff to help reach goods on higher shelves. There are no lowered counter tops at the tills. • African Queen Shop African Queen is located within the Adventure Theme Park area and provides access to the Hippo Lakes viewing platform. Guests can access the shop via two large double doors, which are often left open other than in extreme weather conditions. The shop is spacious and can be accessed fully by wheelchair users. Staff are always on site to help with items out of reach. The tills and counter tops are accessible for wheelchair use.

• African Village Shop The African Village Shop is located at the entrance of the African Village, where guests can find meerkats, lemurs and goats. It is fully accessible and has sufficient turning space for wheelchair users. Help will be willingly given to reach goods and handle heavier items.

African Trading Co. entrance

African Trading Co. internal

African Queen entrance African Queen internal

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• Dinosaur Trading Co. The Dinosaur Trading Co. shop is within Land of the Living Dinosaurs. It can be accessed through two large double doors which are permanently left open during the shop’s normal opening hours. This shop has ample space for wheelchair users. The floor in the shop is dry and level throughout.

African Village tills African Village

African Village shop entrance

Dinosaur Trading Co. entrance Dinosaur Trading Co. internal

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Discovery Trail Our Discovery Trail is accessed once guests have walked through the Lost City Plaza. It includes all the animals within the vicinity as follows: • Penguin Cove The penguins can be seen to the left after walking underneath the Discovery Trail archway. From there, guests are able to see the penguins on the rocks and in the water. The ground level is flat, although the surface changes from tarmac to printed concrete. To view the penguins, guests stand in an open space with no restrictions which is wheelchair friendly. Around the corner, still to the left, is another viewing area which shows a different angle of the Penguin Cove. This is usually where the penguins are fed. This viewing area is down a slight slope. The pathway is made of concrete and isn’t very steep. • Sea Lion Theatre The sea lions can only be seen during the Sea Lion Show. Please see Sea Lion Show for more details. • Lorikeet Landing To access Lorikeet Landing, guests will need to follow the path to the left, going down a slight decline, which may cause problems to wheelchair users. Additionally, to access the building, guests need to pull a heavy door open and push through some heat retention flaps. Guests will then have to walk through another two sets of heat retention flaps to see the lorikeets. The floor in this building is concrete and may be wet and slightly uneven in places. To exit Lorikeet Landing, visitors need to pass through the two heat retention flaps and then use the main door once again. We recommend assistance when visiting this building.

Penguin Cove viewing area 1 Penguin Cove viewing area 2

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• The Reptile House To enter The Reptile House, guests need to descend a slope and push through a set of heat retention flaps. Once inside, the ground is level and dry and provides ample space for wheelchair users. All the reptiles can be viewed from a low height to provide easy viewing for wheelchair users as well as young children. Information panels and interactive screens are also at a lowered height. When exiting the building, one more set of flaps will need to be pushed through. Once outside, guests will have to go past the toilet block on the left and up another slope. Assistance may be required as it is a little steep.

Lorikeet Landing entrance Heat retention flaps

Lorikeet Landing surface

Reptile House entrance

Reptile House exit Reptile House surface

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• The Twilight Cave The Twilight Cave can be seen from the outside first. When entering the Discovery Trail, opposite the penguins to the right, guests will see a short path in and out of the building, entitled Bat Preview Area. There is a slight incline on tarmac to access it. Once there, visitors can see fish and above the water is the Twilight Cave. Night vision cameras are placed in the Twilight Cave to allow visitors to see it without entering. To visit the inside of the Twilight Cave, visitors need to go up the steep slope to the right, past the Research Centre. The Twilight Cave will be on the right and is accessed through three sets of heat retention flaps. We do recommend assistance in this area for both the heat retention flaps and the inside of the room. Inside the Twilight Cave, bats will be flying around in the same room as our visitors. The room is kept warm and very dark. Visitors will follow the path down a slight gradient and walk along a timber bridge. From the bridge, guests can see the outside viewing area, and will then begin a slight incline towards the back of the room. Another three heat retention flaps are there when exiting.

Bat Preview Area entrance Bat Preview Area

Twilight Cave entrance Twilight Cave exit

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• Creepy Crawlies To enter the Creepy Crawlies section, guests need to go up an incline. Assistance may be required. At the top is a set of heat retention flaps. In the Creepy Crawlies section, the ground is level to begin with. The glass enclosures are at a low height to give children and wheelchair users a good view of the Creepy Crawlies. • SeaQuarium Guests are able to walk straight through to the SeaQuarium. In this section, the ground is a little bumpier, but still accessible to wheelchairs. The glass enclosures are also at a low height. Interactive screens can also be found in this section. A heat retention flap is located at the exit of the room. Outside, guests are led onto a non-slip viewing deck where they can observe koi carp in the pond below. They will then have to descend the deck via a slope. This may be closed in extreme weather conditions when the deck may become slippery.

Creepy Crawlies entrance Creepy Crawlies surface

SeaQuarium surface & heat retention flaps

SeaQuarium exit & viewing deck

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African Village The African Village is located at the back of the Park, past the Adventure Theme Park Rides, close to Boj’s Giggly Park. The entrance is recognised by the large archway titled ‘African Village’ as well as the many mud huts.

• Meerkat Mayhem The meerkat enclosures are located to the left when guests enter the African Village. The path here is compacted crushed stone and is easily accessible to all. This area may get a little muddy in bad weather conditions, but should not cause any issues for guests using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The glass enclosures start at approximately 60cm from the ground, so young children are able to see them.

• Lemur Woods The Lemur Woods can be seen after the meerkats (to the right) and can be recognised by the house, the large sign and the gate. To access Lemur Woods, visitors need to open two large metal gates. We recommend assistance in this area due to opening the gates, but also because the path can be muddy. Guests can use a short and a long path. The shorter path is steep and can be quite bumpy because of the natural environment. To exit Lemur Woods, guests will have to go through another two metal gates.

African Village entrance

Meerkat Mayhem

Lemur Woods entrance

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• Goat Park Just behind the meerkats, guests are able to see a few of our goats behind a wooden fence. These can be seen using the same crushed stone track as the other animals in the African Village. The rest of the goats can be visited once guests exit Lemur Woods. For visitors who did not see the lemurs, there is an uphill path at the end of the Meerkat Mayhem. The goats can be visited by entering two wooden gates which have a little lever to lift. Once inside the area, the path is still the same, which can get muddy when it rains heavily. This section is downhill and like the first few goats, they are behind a wooden fence. These fences have been made with gaps, so our younger visitors are able to see them.

• Hippo Lakes The Hippo Lakes can be viewed from the ground level, but guests would have to look through a fence. For a better view, visitors can use our viewing deck, accessible through the African Queen Shop via a ramp. The deck itself is made of non-slip timber. This viewing deck may be closed in bad weather.

Lemur Woods Exit gates

Goat Walk entrance Goat Walk surface

Hippo viewing deck

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Daily Shows The times and frequency of the shows do vary depending on the season. Guests are encouraged to check the times either on the website or on the back of the map to avoid any disappointment. Some shows are not presented during the Winter season. • Penguin Feed The Penguin Feed takes place at Penguin Cove. The viewing area for the Penguin Feed is on a flat and accessible surface. For more information, please see Penguin Cove under the Discovery Trail section. • Meerkat Feed The Meerkat Talk and Feed takes place around the Meerkat Enclosure. The viewing area is made of crushed compacted stone and can be a little muddy in bad weather. For more information, please see Meerkat Mayhem under the African Village section. • Friendly Animal Encounter This talk can be varied depending on the day of the visit. The animals can change, but the location stays the same. As guests head towards the Twilight Cave and Creepy Crawlies sections, there is a statue of an elephant next to a small deck made of timber. This is where the Animal Encounters take place. The area is not sheltered and is at the top of an incline; however, it is fully accessible as it is situated outside.

• Discover Dinosaurs Talk The Discover Dinosaurs Talk takes place in the Land of the Living Dinosaurs, between the sand pit and the T-Rex. Guests are expected to stand in the area, made of compacted crushed stone. Depending on the weather, assistance may be required.

Animal Encounter

Stage

Discover Dinosaurs Talk location

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• Hippo Feed The Hippo Feed is located on the Hippo viewing platform, accessible through the African Queen Shop. During bad weather, the viewing deck will be shut, and the show will be cancelled, as the deck can become very slippery. Our Health and Safety Manager or First Aid Team assess the platform before the Park is opened every morning. In good weather, guests are still encouraged to be careful, particularly visitors using prams, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

• Sea Lion Show The Sea Lion Theatre is located next to Penguin Cove. It can be recognised by the large wooden gates and the sign above it. Guests are expected to queue outside the Theatre 15 minutes prior to the start of the show. The gates open 5 minutes before the start of the show and the gates are shut as soon as the last person has entered so the show can begin on time. Whilst in the queue, there are benches available along the side of the wall. Once inside the gates, guests are able to sit where they wish. The Star of the Sea Lion Show is the only group that has allocated seating for the show. For more information on the Star of the Sea Lion Show, please see our VIP Experiences section. There are allocated wheelchair and mobility scooters spaces down the side of the Theatre seating and the ground is level. The spaces are fully accessible and offer sufficient turning space.

Hippo viewing platform

Sea Lion Theatre gates

Seating area Descent to seating area

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• Discover Reptiles Talk The Reptiles Talk is situated in front of the Reptile House. There is seating available to guests and there is space for guests using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams along the side and the back of the seating area. The ground surface is printed concrete and is on a slight decline towards the stage area.

• Lemur Talk The Lemur Talk takes place at the entrance of Lemur Woods. As stated in the Discovery Trail section, this area can be quite difficult to access using wheelchairs and mobility scooters due to the gates at the entrance and exit, as well as the ground surface. The surface is compacted crushed stone; therefore, it can be bumpy and muddy if the weather is bad. We do recommend assistance in this section. The Talk may start at the entrance, so guests can gather round, but the speaker may decide it is best to move if the lemurs are located somewhere else in the woods. Members of staff are always on hand to help when requested. The speaker will not start the Lemur Talk until all guests have re-grouped next to the lemurs. Assistance may be needed when using this path.

Discover Reptiles Talk area Side of seating area

Lemur Talk location

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Adventure Theme Park Rides

African Big Apple Coaster

Height Restrictions Accessibility In Gate Out Gate

Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Ambulatory

Guests would need to climb 6 steps to access

the ride

Black Fly


Minimum 1.4m

Ambulatory

Guests would need to climb 6 steps to access

the ride

Congo Carousel


Minimum 1.2m Or

0.8m if accompanied

Ambulatory

Access is flat. Guests would need to hold

themselves up and grab onto handles.

Desert Convoy


Minimum 0.8m Ambulatory

Guests can use exit ramp

instead of steps.

Dr Umboto’s Catacombs


Minimum 0.8m

Ambulatory

Warning: May frighten. Guests can use exit to avoid step at entrance.

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Flying Lion Kings


Minimum 0.8m

Ambulatory

Access is flat. Guests would need to hold onto

handrails.

Hurtling Hippos


Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Wheelchair Transfer

Access is flat.

Jungle Cat Dodgems


Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Ambulatory

Caution: Intense Ride! Access is flat. Guests would need to hold themselves up

and grab onto handles.

Jumbo Parade


Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Wheelchair Transfer

Access is flat.

Jungle Swings


Minimum 1.2m

Ambulatory

Guest are required to climb steps, hold


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Kong


Minimum 1.2m Ambulatory

Accessed via ramps & 1

step onto the ride.

Pirate Ship


Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Wheelchair Transfer

Access is flat with 1 step onto ride. Guests would need to hold themselves

up and grab onto handles.

Rescue Fire Rangers


Minimum 0.8m Wheelchair Transfer

Access is flat.

Rhino Rollercoaster


Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Ambulatory

Accessed via ramp. Guests would need to grab onto handrails.

Serengeti Gallopers


Minimum 0.8m

Ambulatory

Guests would need to climb steps, hold


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Shark Island


Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Ambulatory

Access is flat. Guests would need to hold


Slippery Snake Slide


Minimum 1.2m Or

0.8m if accompanied

Ambulatory

Access is flat, however there are many steps to reach the top of the ride.

Twister Coaster


Minimum 1.4m Or

1.2m if accompanied

Ambulatory

5 steps up to ride platform. Guests would need to hold


Venom Tower Drop


Minimum 1.4m

Wheelchair Transfer

Access is flat. Guests would need to grab onto

handles.

Wild River Rafting


Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Wheelchair Transfer

Guests would need to hold themselves up and

grab onto handles.

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‘Members of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions (BALPPA) welcome visits by disabled people and will do all that is possible to ensure a safe and pleasurable stay. However, certain rides and attractions in our Parks can be physically demanding and vigorous. We therefore reserve the right to refuse admission to certain rides should we feel there is a danger to a particular individual or individuals for whatever reason. West Midland Safari Park has been advised by the Health and Safety Executive, that refusal on the grounds of health and safety does not constitute discrimination. Decisions are purely made in the interest of safety.’

BALPPA Statement on Public Safety for Disabled People The Adventure Theme Park rides are generally quieter between 11am and 2pm and therefore, we suggest anyone wanting to use the rides at a quieter time do so before visiting the Safari Drive-through. Guests who have difficulties standing in queues may use ride exits. Carers are only allowed preferential access when accompanying a guest with a disability. On very rare occasions, rides will need to be evacuated. This can sometimes mean that guests will have to negotiate steps and walkways. In some cases, the carer will have to aid the staff in the evacuation of disabled guests. Height restrictions will always apply. In some circumstances, it is possible for the management to measure a guest once to save time and still comply with the various height restrictions set at each ride. Please consult a Supervisor at point of sale. All guests using our rides should have the ability to sit upright, hold on and brace themselves. Some rides are unsuitable for those with heart, neck or back conditions and expectant mothers. We advise guests to view the rides and make a sensible decision whether or not it is safe to use them. Height restrictions are there in the interests of safety. Each ride has its own operating requirements that all guests using them must meet. The attendants’ role should not be compromised. In some cases, it may be that a guest requires two carers. Whilst only one free wristband is generally offered, each individual case will be addressed to ensure safety guidelines are met. The carer will be responsible for communicating all safety information and are required to sit in the same gondola, boat, carriage seat or row as the disabled guest.

Zambezi Water Splash


Minimum 1.2m Or

1m if accompanied

Ambulatory

Guests are required to climb steps

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Games Our Games Department includes multiple sections throughout the Park: the SEGA Prize Zone is the main arcade area, but many other game units are located throughout the Park. Most of our Games Units are accessible, yet some are more demanding than others. Games that may cause problems are listed below: • Kiddy Rides: children using these rides have to the ability to hold themselves up. Adult

supervisors and help may be required. • Video Machine Games: guests using these units need to be able to transfer to the unit’s seating. • Lion Derby: This game involves guests being seated. One seat at the end of the row of seats has

been removed for any guests using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Further arrangements can be made by asking the member of staff operating this unit.

Many of our Games Units are lowered for ease of access for our younger players and our guests using wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Sometimes, there are steps to reach the units.

Examples of Arcade Units

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Boj’s Giggly Park ‘Boj’s Giggly Park’ is a multi-sensory play area, all themed around CBeebies and S4C favourite, ‘Boj’. It is located at the back of the Adventure Theme Park, opposite the African Village. The Boj area is accessible to guests in wheelchairs and mobility scooters. It can be accessed under a colourful archway with the sign ‘Boj Giggly Park’. The ground surface is made of rubberised bark and artificial grass and is mostly level. The only area not accessible is the underground mound.

Boj can be split into multiple areas: • Boj’s Burrow: this area includes a burrow where

children can explore winding tunnels, as well as the top of the mound. Assistance will be required for children with walking difficulties.

• Denzil’s Music Mayhem: this area includes many

musical instruments which are fully accessible by wheelchairs. • Mia’s Ladybird Spot: this sensory trail may cause

difficulties due to the dens children can hide in. The area also has objects and bridges to climb across. The interactive puzzles can be used by wheelchair users.

• Rupa’s Superfit Challenge: In this area, guests may

require assistance due to its sporty nature. It includes a running track, a trampoline and a winner’s podium.

• Gavin’s Giggly Playground: disabled guests may

require assistance in this area too, simply due to the swings, slides, seesaws and springy bikes.

• Boj’s Giggly Park also includes a picnic area and a

food outlet, which both have ample turning space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Boj entrance

Boj ground surface

Picnic area in Boj

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Land of the Living Dinosaurs

Land of the Living Dinosaurs is located between Lorikeet Landing and the Reptile House. To access it, guests need to walk across a decked area and then onto another compacted crushed stone pathway. This surface is located throughout the area and may become muddy in bad weather. Throughout Land of the Living Dinosaurs, there are gradients. These gradients can be difficult for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, particularly when the ground is soft. The ground may also be affected by sticks and leaves that fall from the trees around the area. These may cause minor obstructions to wheelchair users. Benches are located in this area, offering guests a chance to rest and enjoy the view before moving to the next. The Dinosaur Trading Co. shop is located in Land of the Living Dinosaurs (described in more detail in the Retail section). The ground surface around the shop is printed concrete. Opposite the shop is our archaeological section when guests can climb into a sandpit and discover fossils. Guests may require assistance. To exit Land of the Living Dinosaurs, guests will need to follow the path past the T-Rex, still using the same crushed stone surface. Upon exiting, guests will walk through a large dinosaur skeleton. This area is wide and will not cause any issues for wheelchairs and mobility scooter users; the surface in this area is printed concrete.

Dinosaurs entrance decking Dinosaurs surface & benches

Dinosaurs sandpit Dinosaurs exit

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Ice Age Ice Age is located between the Sea Lion Theatre and Lorikeet Landing. Its entrance is marked by a sabre-toothed tiger. To enter the exhibit, guests will have to use non-slip decking. From there, they will need to go through the volcano, which is wide enough for a wheelchair to manoeuvre around and has a concrete and glass flooring. The decking continues after the volcano and leads guests around to a crushed stone pathway. Some natural gradients are a little steep in this area. There is a long path and a short path. The longer path is the steeper one. Following the stone pathway, guests will need to walk around the mammoths and into a cave. The cave is quite wide, so any wheelchairs users will be comfortable. However, it does get a little dark around the corner. Guests will be walking on printed concrete and will finish their journey through Ice Age on another crushed stone pathway, next to Lorikeet Landing.

Ice Age entrance Inside the volcano Pathway and gradient Concrete and pathway

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Safari Academy Safari Academy is an outstanding, sustainably-built facility, designed specifically for visiting schools and groups. This modern state-of-the-art building, featuring five classrooms, provides interactive education for groups of all ages - from pre-schools and nurseries to university groups and adult learners. It is located past the First Aid Hut and down the slope. At the bottom of the slope, there are a set of wooden gates and an archway with ‘Safari Academy’ written across the top. Guests will have to walk on a compacted crushed stone pathway. There are natural gradients, but they are not steep. Once guests arrive at the buildings, they will have to use the ramp to access the decking surrounding the buildings. The decking is all on one level. Guests can enter the classrooms using a flat non-slip surface. The chairs and tables can be moved to suit the group attending the Academy. Safari Academy also has its own toilets, disabled toilet and baby changing facilities. For further information regarding our Safari Academy please see the website (www.safariacademy.co.uk) or call the Academy on 01299 404888.

Safari Academy entrance Ramp to decked area

Classroom example Access to classroom

Disabled Toilet

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Venues and Events West Midland Safari Park has three venues which all hold their own events, but also can be rented to guests. • Spring Grove House Spring Grove House is a beautiful Georgian Manor set in the heart of the Safari Park and boasts a private parking area, a Reception & Bar area, landscaped gardens, a large patio area and a wide variety of rooms to suit all event types. Disabled parking for Spring Grove House is located outside the front of the building, usually either side of the main entrance, although other arrangements can be made if requested. The parking surface is gravel. The main entrance to the building does have steps and therefore we suggest any guests using wheelchairs and mobility scooters use the side entrance, to the left side of the front door. The side entrance is on a flat surface. Guests will have to use the push/pull double doors. Once inside, they will be facing an elevator, which can be used on all levels. Ground surface throughout the building is tiled or carpeted. All rooms can be accessed by wheelchair or mobility scooter. However, assistance may be required when opening doors due to their weight. There are disabled toilets on every floor of the building, which all have the same features, including forward & angled transfer to the WC and a horizontal rail on the rear of the door rails to the side of the toilet. The basin and lever taps are low. Fire exits for the building are located in the back room and are often used for wedding receptions. Only one door, to the right, leads to a ramp; all others have steps for guests to access the back patio and lawn.

Main entrance Side entrance

Width of doors & carpet

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• Cellarz On the lowest floor of Spring Grove House is another venue entitled Cellarz. To enter this venue, guests need to park in the same spaces as for Spring Grove House and enter using the main and side entrances. However, visitors would then need to head downstairs, using the lift or stairs to the left of the building, and enter through the large double doors. The area is spacious, and the surface is smooth with level bricks. Toilets are located opposite the elevator and include disabled and baby changing facilities.

• Treetops Pavilion Treetops is a very large Pavilion able to seat 500 guests. Visitors can park in the normal car park and can use the 41 disabled parking spaces, as long as they can display their Blue Badge. To access the pavilion, guests need to walk through the Lost City Plaza, past the shops and food outlets. Treetops is located to the left just before entering the Discovery Trail and guests can enter by using the wooden gates and walk down the compacted crushed stone path. They will be able to see the entrance to the pavilion and to their right, a block of toilets including a disabled access toilet. Two sets of large, heavy double doors need to be pulled. Once inside, the ground surface is carpeted. However, this can vary depending on the event. Underneath the carpeted floor is printed concrete which may cause the floor to be bumpy in areas. From the inside of the pavilion, guests can use the back patio via the right-hand side doors.

Cellarz Disabled Toilets

Gates to Treetops Entrance to Treetops

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For more information regarding our Venues and Events, please visit the website (www.safarivenues.co.uk) or call 01299 406460 to speak to a team member.

Disabled Toilets Treetops Pavilion internal

Second set of doors to enter Treetops

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Special Events

This section regards any general events taking places at the Safari Park including but not limited to our Easter Eggstravaganza, Spooky Spectacular and Santa Safari. These events may affect the decoration and atmosphere of guest visits to the Park. With these events, guests have the possibility to explore more areas and interact with special guests like the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. Please note: additional fees may apply. For prices and availability, please check the website. During Special Events, extra rooms may be opened. All rooms or buildings for Special Events are accessible to wheelchair and mobility scooter users, but not necessarily for prams and pushchairs. For details regarding a specific event we have on at the Safari Park, please contact our Main Reception Office on 01299 402114 or email [email protected].

Santa’s Elves Easter Bunny

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VIP Experiences

Our VIP Experiences office is located at the entrance to Lost City Plaza. The office is accessible to wheelchairs. However, once inside, the desk is quite high. The member of staff available will happily accommodate for all guests entering the office and requiring assistance. Help may be required to open the heavy doors. The VIP Experiences themselves often should not cause any problems for disabled guests. Guests will enter our VIP Jeeps for a quick drive to the location of the experience. In some cases, guests take their own vehicle and follow the Jeep. Visitors are required to be able to enter and exit the Jeep if they do decide to use it. The Keeper of the Day Experiences are more difficult to access due to there being no wheelchair access to the animal buildings. All Experiences vary in location and access, so we do suggest guests contact us to discuss this in advance. One of the experiences which may be more difficult to execute is the Lion Cage Feed, as guests are put in a cage and lions will jump up to eat the food. Our team are aware that, in case of a medical emergency, it will take more time to evacuate the area and help the guest. Our staff in Jeeps will need to clear the lions away from the area before driving to a safe place. This is only an extreme case and if any pre-emptive measures can be taken, they will. Any questions, options and possible amendments can be discussed with our Experiences Team by phone 01299 406461 or by email [email protected].

VIP Experiences Office VIP Jeep

Lion Cage Feed Lemur Feed

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For any further information, please contact our main office via telephone on 01299 402114, via email at [email protected] or by post:

West Midland Safari Park

Spring Grove Bewdley

Worcestershire DY12 1LF

We hope to see you soon!

Documents

West Midland Safari and Leisure Park Accessibility Statement · 2019-04-17 · West Midland Safari and Leisure Park is a 200-acre site that combines a self-drive Safari and a