Changing Places at Glenthorne National Park

Principal:: Modus Australia
Client:: Department for Environment and Water
Product/s:: Custom Changing Places 1B
Year:: 2024

At Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, Modus proudly delivered a fully compliant Changing Places toilet facility, designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. This project is part of an ongoing effort to create spaces that enable individuals with high support needs to fully participate in community life. The facility’s natural timber-clad design reflects the surrounding park environment, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all visitors.

Challenges and Project Needs

Glenthorne National Park’s redevelopment included accessible trails, carparks, and a playground, but the existing public restroom facilities lacked the capacity to accommodate individuals with disabilities and high support needs. The Department for Environment and Water South Australia sought a solution that not only met the highest accessibility standards but also integrated seamlessly into the park’s aesthetic.

In addition to accessibility requirements, extending utilities such as water, sewage, and electricity to the standalone facility presented unique challenges. Designing compliant pathways for wheelchairs and other mobility aids also required careful planning to ensure safety and convenience for all visitors.

Our Solution

Working in collaboration with the Department for Environment and Water, Modus delivered a fully compliant Changing Places toilet facility with a natural timber exterior in seasoned Silvertop Ash to match the surrounding infrastructure.

The Changing Places building was designed to include:

A height-adjustable adult-sized change table.
A constant-charging ceiling track hoist system.
A centrally-located peninsula toilet for ease of access.
Additional circulation space exceeding standard accessible toilet requirements.
A wall mounted privacy screen.
An automatic door with a minimum clear opening of 950mm.

Changing Places at Glenthorne National Park

To address the challenges of utility connections, our team developed innovative solutions, ensuring uninterrupted water, sewage, and electricity access while maintaining full compliance with accessibility standards.

A direct pathway from the carpark to the facility was designed to provide safe and easy wheelchair access.

An Outstanding Result

The Changing Places toilet facility at Glenthorne National Park now offers a safe, accessible, and inclusive space for visitors with high support needs. By enabling longer stays and providing dignified facilities, the project has transformed the park experience for individuals with disabilities.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth emphasised the importance of the project, saying:

"Accessibility and inclusion must be at the forefront when designing community spaces. This Changing Places facility ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy Glenthorne’s beauty and connect with nature."