New calls have been been made to improve wheelchair access in Edinburgh's parks, with proposals to introduce temporary or permanent routes across grassy areas.
The push comes after Changing Places toilet facilities were installed at Leith Links, Inverleith Park and The Meadows in 2025.
The Meadows. (Image: Google)
Campaigners across Edinburgh are now urging the council to address barriers that still prevent many disabled people from fully enjoying the city's green spaces.
Changing Places facilities are larger accessible toilets equipped with specialist features including hoists and changing benches for people with profound and multiple disabilities who require support from carers.
However many have argued that while the facilities have improved accessibility, many disabled people are still unable to take part in activities on grassy areas due to mobility barriers.
Leith Links park. (Image: Google)
A coalition of charities has backed the plans, including members of the Edinburgh Disability and Neurodivergence Hub.
A spokesperson for the group said: "The Yard, TailorEd, Mindroom, Barnardo's and Kindred from the Edinburgh Disability and Neurodivergence Hub welcome the motion bought by Cllr Finlay McFarlane to explore permanent solutions such as mats or grates to allow continuous wheelchair access to our beloved Edinburgh parks.
"Despite the inclusion of Changing Places bathroom facilities within Edinburgh parks, barriers remain to disabled people and their friends and families in being able to fully enjoy the facilities.
"Access to the grassy areas within the parks is a significant barrier for wheelchair users, including many children that attend Oaklands School."
Inverleith Park. (Image: Google)
The group added that the current access issues have prevented the Oaklands School community from organising activities such as picnics in Inverleith Park despite the addition of accessible toilet facilities.
Councillor Finlay McFarlane is to address the City of Edinburgh Council on June 25 calling for a review of measures such as deployable mats or mesh installations that would allow wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges to access grassed areas safely.
The proposal also calls for continued progress towards ensuring all of Edinburgh's premier parks are equipped with Changing Places toilets and asks for a report outlining practical options for improving accessibility.
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Councillor McFarlane said: "It is my dream that Edinburgh becomes the best city in the world for inclusive access across our cultural offer.
"For many people in our city who live with disabilities, leisure choices are inhibited by inadequate provision of facilities.
"Now that three of our Premier Parks have Changing Places, I am calling on the council to explore temporary and/or permanent measures that will enable people who use mobility equipment out onto sections of grassy areas of the park through special deployable matts or the installation of mesh.
"Bringing a picnic onto the grass in the park with friends and family on a sunny day is one of the great joys of living in Edinburgh.
"I am determined that everyone in our city can share in that pleasure."
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