Section 4: Demand Assessment 4.5.5 Outdoor Adventure 4.5.5.1 Wither Hills Farm Park The Wither Hills Farm Park continues to grow as an iconic feature of not only the Marlborough landscape but as part of the Marlborough experience. The Farm Park’s primary management objectives of soil conservation and recreation will continue to direct its development. The vast network of walking and cycling tracks provides expansive recreation opportunities for all levels of age and ability. With walking and cycling increasing in popularity both nationally and within Marlborough improving and maintaining these tracks is a key management focus and a significant component of annual expenditure within the Park. 4.5.6 Public Toilets 4.5.6.1 Provision Levels The MDC Water and Sanitary Services Assessment 2005 assessed Council’s public toilets against NZ standards 4121:2001 and 4241:1999; providing condition rating, expected lifespan and timeframes for repair. Following this full assessment, any required repairs or cleaning services were carried out to bring all public toilets up to target service levels. While residential developments do not demand public toilets in their direct vicinity, the resulting population increases must be catered for elsewhere in public areas. The Council strategically considers the location of public toilets providing them where the private sector does not provide the service to the required level and/or standard. This ensures ratepayer money is used cost-effectively. It is assessed that public toilets in Marlborough’s commercial retail areas are well provided for at present. 4.5.6.2 Disabled Accessible Toilets It is desirable to have disabled accessible public toilets at locations where there is road access or where people with disabilities or mobility limitations are expected to visit or work. At present there is just one existing public toilet in the CBD or urban location which is not disabled-accessible being the Seymour Square PC which is programmed for an upgrade in 2015/16. Other toilets that are currently inadequate due to the accessible toilet being located in a single gender facility are the Horton Park and Havelock toilets. Some of these toilets are forecast for replacement in the near future. The Council will ensure all new and existing facilities, when upgraded, will be designed to make them compliant with New Zealand Standards 4121:2001 and 4241:1999 as a minimum but will endeavour to exceed these standards where possible to enable access to facilities by mobility scooter users. Page 61