Accessibility

Liminka Bay is an excellent destination for accessible outdoor recreation. The area offers the opportunity to enjoy the nature of a bird wetland also for people with reduced mobility and for those moving with, for example, strollers.

The accessibility of the Liminka Bay area has primarily been assessed from the perspective of people with mobility impairments. More detailed observations regarding visual, hearing, and cognitive accessibility should be verified with experts by experience from different disability groups.

The nature trails and buildings at the Liminganlahti Visitor Centre are well suited for people using mobility aids. The nature trail to the Virkkula observation tower is classified as accessible.

Arrival and Accessible Parking

There are two accessible parking spaces marked with upright signs on the asphalt parking area. The distance from these spaces to the ramp of the main building is approximately 50 meters. The accessible spaces are not marked with wheelchair symbols on the asphalt surface. The longitudinal and lateral slopes of the accessible parking spaces are no more than 2%, in accordance with recommendations.

Signage

The main information board in the area is covered, and access to it is barrier-free. The board does not include tactile markings or Braille. Along the accessible nature trail, there are uneven areas in front of some information boards, and the lateral slope in places exceeds the permitted 3%.

Accessible Toilet in the Maintenance Building

The maintenance building next to the parking area includes a spacious accessible toilet (dry toilet). The ramp leading to the building has a slope of 8% and a height difference of approximately 1000 mm. The ramp includes a 2000 mm intermediate landing and railings on both sides, but no handrails.

There is 1000 mm of free space on the right side of the toilet seat. The seat height is 420 mm, and a wall-mounted support rail is located on the right side. The toilet room includes the required 1500 mm turning space.

Campfire Sites

The covered campfire area near the main building has three separate fire pits. Each has free space on one side for people using mobility aids, while the other three sides have fixed benches.

The wood storage is located behind the shelter and has a 100 mm threshold at the door. At the wind-adjustable campfire site, one side has fixed benches, while the rest of the area provides ample space for people using mobility aids. The wood storage door also has a 100 mm threshold.

Accessible Nature Trail to Virkkula Bird Tower

The nature trail to the Virkkula birdwatching tower is accessible. The length of the trail is approximately 600 meters one way. The crushed stone paths are even, and their width is mostly over 2 meters. The longitudinal slope is under 8%, and the lateral slope is mostly under 3%.

At some information boards along the trail, there are depressions where the slope exceeds 8%. In places, the lateral slope at the edges of the path exceeds the permitted 3%. Additionally, there is some unevenness and coarse gravel on the trail.

Virkkula Birdwatching Tower

The covered lower platform of the Virkkula bird tower is spacious and accessible. The wooden ramp leading to it is 1200 mm wide, with a slope of 8% and a height difference of approximately 2 meters. The ramp has two intermediate landings, each at least 1800 mm wide.

The cross-planking is worn, slightly uneven, and partially decayed. Some repairs have been made, and the gap between boards is 10 mm. There are railings on both sides of the ramp, but no handrails.

Main Building of the Visitor Centre

The ramp in front of the main entrance has a slope of 8% and a height difference of approximately 1200 mm. The ramp is about 2500 mm wide and includes a 2000 mm landing. It has railings and handrails at a height of 800 mm on both sides.

The exterior doors open automatically with a motion sensor. There is a stepped threshold of 35 mm at the entrance. From the spacious lobby, there is level access to the exhibition space, café-restaurant, and hotel.

Exhibition Space

The exhibition space is spacious and accessible. Pathways are over 900 mm wide. The reception desk does not have a lowered section. A manual wheelchair is available for loan during opening hours.

The exhibition space includes an accessible toilet, where at least 800 mm of free space is located on the left side of the toilet seat. The room includes a 1500 mm turning space, and the toilet has support rails attached to the frame on both sides.

Café-Restaurant

The café-restaurant dining area is spacious and accessible. The self-service counter is 900 mm high, and products are within reachable height. The legroom under tables is 670 mm, in accordance with recommendations.

The accessible toilet for the café-restaurant is located in the corridor leading to the hotel. It includes at least 800 mm of free space on the left side of the toilet seat and a 1500 mm turning space. The toilet has support rails on both sides.

Hotel

The hotel includes a spacious accessible room with two separate beds, each 800 mm wide and 500 mm high. The entrance door and bathroom door have thresholds of approximately 30 mm, with metal ramps.

In the accessible bathroom, there is at least 800 mm of free space on both sides of the toilet seat, and a 1500 mm turning space. The toilet has floor-mounted support rails on both sides.

The shower area does not have grab rails, but a separate foldable shower chair is available.