Looking to the future

The Olympic Delivery Authority (that sounds well paid) has said it wants to produce an ideal Olympic venue for people of all cultures, faiths, ages and abilities for the 2012 Games and beyond. So, a percentage of the toilets being built at London’s Olympic Park will be such that Muslims will not have to face Mecca while sitting on the thunderbox.

Islam prohibits Muslims from facing the Kiblah – the direction of prayer – when they visit the lavatory. There will also be special washing facilities linked to Islamic prayer rooms.

Other measures being taken include gentle slopes into the venue with wider pathways, smooth surfaces, seating and resting places at regular intervals for wheelchair users.

Accessible toilet facilities (one would hope so!) including special areas where older disabled people can be helped to change by their carers.

Changing areas for babies and buggy parking at toilet facilities.

After the Olympics, the authorities want the site to be the most accessible and inclusive public park for future generations.

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