Greater Accessibility Project (Mind the GAP)
The Pitch
Problem statement
Our club supports a wide range of local people of all abilities but bowls is predominantly a sport for older members of the community. It is also a great community based asset that supports the well-being of the older generation. Many of our members not only join for the sporting side but for the community atmosphere and friendly environment at the club and for their own wellbeing. We hold open days and matches against other clubs and the feedback we have had is that some people find it difficult to move around our facilities and especially to gain access onto the green as the steps up onto the greenside bank and then down onto the green is difficult for elderly people.
Solution
We are looking to raise funding to: 1. Replace an existing single step with a 6m slope at one of our main entrances to: a. provide easier access for mobility scooters and wheelchairs b. to remove a trip hazard as people have not noticed the step despite it being painted white 2. To install 6 new hand rails to facilitate easier access onto the greenside bank. 3. Purchase a set of portable bowling green access stairs that can be used to facilitate easy access onto the green from the greenside bank. 4. To purchase a portable ramp that can be used in various locations around our facilities
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Delivering this project will build on the work our committee does each year to encourage new members to join our club through open days and coaching sessions. We are best placed to deliver a safer environment for existing members and to attract new members from the local community to play bowls and improve their physical and mental wellbeing whilst doing so. We have the skills within our member volunteers to carry out installing the Hand rails, stairs and portable ramp but will need trades people to undertake the removal of the existing step and replacing with a suitable 6m slope.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Purchase 1 portable bowling green access stairs from Sportsmark.net at £698.85 each | £698.85 |
| Remove existing step and replace with 6M slope suitable for buggy/wheelchair access. | £1,173.53 |
| Purchase 3 x 1m long handrail kits from simplifiedbuilding.co.uk: (Includes brackets and all necessary fixings) | £391.9 |
| Purchase 3 x 900mm long handrail kits from simplifiedbuilding.co.uk: (Includes brackets and all necessary fixings) | £387.72 |
| Purchase from simplifiedbuilding.co.uk a TRI - Trio Foldable Wheelchair Ramp SKU: TRI-34TRI Dimensions Length: 865 mm | £348 |
Beneficiaries
100 people
Expected impact
This will improve the safety of people playing bowls at our club including our own members new members and visiting teams that we play matches against. It will increase and broaden the enjoyment of the wonderful sport of bowls within our community. It will allow less well abled local people to join our club. The issue of accessibility in an issue at many bowls clubs and this funding will really help our club set a gold standard in making bowls accessible to as many people as possible. 2022 is also our 30th year in existence and installing this accessibility project will be a fitting way to celebrate our longstanding position in the local community.