As stadium refurbishment work at the Racecourse Ground continues this summer, we are pleased to confirm a number of initiatives – led by DLO Kerry Evans – to improve the spectator experience for supporters with disabilities too.
Thanks are due in particular to the Wrexham Supporters Association, for their generous £10,000 donation towards a new Changing Places toilet.
We are committed to building the Changing Places toilet on the Mold Road side of the ground.
Changing Places are fully accessible toilets, designed to provide sufficient space and equipment for people unable to use the toilet independently.
Extra equipment includes a hoist, a changing bench, a curtain or screen, non-slip flooring and a large waste bin.
Explaining the new facility, Kerry Evans said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have received this donation from the WSA, and I can’t thank Dave Bennett, Carroll Clark and all involved enough for their generosity.
“Nobody should have to give up going to a football match because it is not accessible, and the Changing Places facility makes a huge difference to those who need it.
“We continue to work hard on making the Racecourse Ground more accessible to all, and I’m delighted that we are now committed to building a Changing Places toilet.”
Dave Bennett, on behalf of the WSA, said: “While speaking to CEO Fleur Robinson and Executive Director Humphrey Ker, we learned of Kerry’s project for the Changing Places toilet facility.
“After speaking to the rest of the committee, we voted to donate the full payment to the Club to support this worthy cause.
“We would like to wish Kerry and the Football Club all the very best with the project, and moving forward.”
While work on the Changing Places toilet will now begin in due course, there has already been a number of changes made to the Mold Road Stand in recent weeks.
For supporters living with dementia, volunteers are completing the painting of all steps in the Mold Road stand yellow.
The brighter colours help supporters living with dementia to better see the steps and prevents the risk of falls.
All toilets in the Mold Road Stand have been painted in a high-contrast red paint, again for supporters living with dementia.
Braille signage is also to be installed before the start of the new season, and following discussions with the Club this week, the Disabled Supporters Association has committed to funding the installation of this signage in the rest of the ground too.
Meanwhile, the Sensory Room in the Mold Road Stand – part of the Club’s autism-friendly commitments – has been revamped for the 2021/22 season.
Wrexham AFC would like to thank the generosity of the companies involved in the refurbishment, who all completed the work free of charge in order to support the Club’s autism-friendly work.
Barlow’s have installed new electrics, with engineer Andrew Armstrong adding new lighting, a television and an improved heater to ensure a cosier room in the colder months of the season.
Matthew Scott, Director, Barlow’s UK, said: “It was great to work with the Club and Kerry on this project to help bring additional enjoyment to the great experience children already have at the Racecourse.
“The work carried out shows our great bond with the Club as a sponsor and supporter on what looks like an exciting ride ahead.”
White & Williams Joinery & Building Contractors Ltd, meanwhile, have added a false ceiling and a worktop to enhance the room, as well as giving it a fresh lick of paint with all materials supplied free of charge.
Michael White said: “The reason we were keen to get involved with this special project was due to the fact that it’s something very close to our hearts and is such an integral part of the Club’s structure in the community.
“We are delighted to make more and more people of all abilities feel comfortable at our amazing Football Club.”
Finally, thanks to Castle Mews Carpets, there is also a new, non-slip red floor in the room.
Owner Steven Griffiths commented: “As son as Michael White asked me to get involved with this project, we pushed other work around to help out immediately.
“I have had personal experiences working with children on the autistic spectrum and we feel it important to help out friends whenever possible.”
Commenting on the work, Kerry Evans added: “Again, people’s generosity and support has been incredible.
“It’s still the small, sensory room it was before but the difference made by this refurbishment is incredible.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming supporters, old and new, to the Sensory Room during the coming season.”