Cato Park Lake Accessible Walk

Cato Park Lake Accessible Walk created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Cato Park Lake in the heart of Stawell is the perfect place to stop for a waterside walk or roll. It has lovely gardens and a pretty lake with all accessible facilities close at hand.

Description

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Is this walk accessible for me?
Cato Park surrounds peaceful Cato Lake, offering a relaxing place to go all year round. This loop walk is accessible for everyone. It is easy to do by foot, in a wheelchair or with any other mobility aid.

What can I see?
The lovely Cato Park Lake is surrounded by wide lawns, shady trees and colourful garden beds. The Stella Young Memorial is fully accessible. There are fountains, many birds to observe and fish in the lake.

How accessible is the path?
The walking path is a signposted "Mobility Trail." It is a clear loop around the lake. It was purpose built for accessibility and opened in 2005.

The walking paths are sealed, smooth, wide and flat without steps or other obstacles. Path borders are either bluestone kerbs or open lawns. Some paths have edges that drop off to the water.

There is space to turn a wheelchair and for side-by-side travel. Alternative car parking is available on all four sides of the park for shorter walks. Mobile phone coverage is good.

Cyclists may share some paths.

Rest areas
The park is very well maintained. Built shelters and large trees provide shade. Accessible seats are found beside the paths, including seats with armrests.

Accessible drinking fountains are provided.

There are shops nearby for food and drinks. Accessible BBQ and picnic shelters include roll under tables and room to turn wheelchairs. A statue of comedian, writer and disability activist Stella Young and an accessible audio monument to her lifetime achievements are well worth approaching.

The play space is not fully accessible. It does include a Liberty Swing.

Toilets
There are accessible toilets.

Dogs
Dogs must be on leash.

Public Transport
Bus No. 1 stops at the nearby Sloane Street / St Georges Street intersection. It is 100 meters to the lake entrance along a sealed footpath. Kerbs are ramped. The bus waiting area is exposed to the weather.

Parking
There is space for drivers to pick up or drop off people and park. The best location to start is at the accessible parking in the Sloane St car park. There are two accessible spaces (ground labelled only).

Parking spaces are wide, sealed, smooth and flat. They are directly connected to the mobility path by a sealed walkway. There is no kerb or road crossing.

The following photos and descriptions provide more information regarding accessibility. Conditions may change. If you notice any variations, please let us know.

We would like to know what people with disability and carers think of this accessible Walking Map. Please tell us by completing this 5 minute survey Your feedback will help us to create high quality information about accessible walks.

“Together More Active: accessible walking trails for people with disability” is a partnership between Victoria Walks, Disability Sport & Recreation and Regional Sport Victoria.

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Points of Interest

1. A signed mobility path

The park was upgraded for accessibility in 2005. Signs mark the mobility pathway. Other paths in the park are generally accessible as well.

2. The lake wall

This is a great location for views across the lake and the rest of the park. The brickwork of the lake wall is an interesting feature in its own right.

3. Accessible shelter

Of the built shelters this is largest. It has roll under picnic tables and BBQs, accessible drinking water nearby and accessible bins. There is room for wheelchairs to enter and turn on flat concrete.

4. Picturesque settings

The combination of the lake, mature shade trees, open lawns and colourful garden beds creates an attractive setting.

5. Seating

Seats with arm and backrests are provided along the path. These are generally on a smooth, flat concrete base connected directly to the path itself. This makes wheelchair access easy.

6. Remembering Stella Young

Popular comedian, writer and activist, Stella Young was born in Stawell. This statue and audio testimonial are fully accessible. The plaque installation audio describes Stella's life as you approach.

7. Fishing and birdlife

For those who like to drop a line or watch a bird or two, this small promontory is a great place to park yourself for a while.

8. Liberty swing

There is a Liberty Swing for wheelchair use. The playground is not designed for accessibility.

9. Path surfaces

Paths are sealed, smooth and generally flat. Widths range from 1.5 to 2.1 meters. Some minor root rises are occasionally encountered.

10. Accessible toilet

Door width 0.88 meters. Floor area 2.28x2.28 meters. Note: the doors are fairly heavy - assistance may be required.

11. Accessible parking

There are two accessible spaces each 3.8 metres wide beside a sealed, smooth and flat 1.48 meter wide walkway to the mobility path in the park. The only accessibility signs are on the ground.