ÖVP demands changing table in Hamerlingpark: Parents are outraged!

ÖVP demands changing table in Hamerlingpark: Parents are outraged!

There is an explosive issue in Hamerlingpark in Josefstadt that is upsetting parents: the lack of a changing table in the public toilet facility there. The ÖVP has now taken this as an opportunity to submit a motion at the last district council meeting calling for the construction of such a changing table. The ÖVP district party chairman Adam Christian, himself the father of a small daughter, has made the issue his personal passion project. “In 2025 it shouldn’t be the case that parents are often forced to change their children’s diapers on park benches,” he criticizes the current situation.

The need for a changing table in public toilets is undisputed. Often the toilets in parks, especially in unsupervised facilities, are not suitable for families. As MA 48, which is responsible for public toilets in Vienna, explains, changing tables are only available in staff-managed facilities. “The risk of contamination or syringes being found in unattended toilets is simply too high,” says MA 48. The nearest supervised toilet with a changing table is in the town hall park.

Meanwhile, SPÖ club leader Sanj Drazic has submitted an amendment to assign the topic to the responsible commission. The background: There has been feedback about misuse of changing tables, which requires careful examination. However, a solution is also necessary for parents who rely on public toilet facilities.

Changing tables for public spaces

The discussion about changing tables is not new, but it should not be forgotten. Folding changing tables, which have long been standard in many other countries, offer a simple solution here. These space-saving models are ideal for tight spaces as they require little wall space. In Germany, such changing tables are often found in women's toilets, while in the USA, men's toilets must also be equipped with changing tables by law. This shows that there is great potential for enriching our public toilets.

The folding changing tables are not only stable, but also suitable for children up to around 30 kilograms. They offer safety-enhancing features, such as a higher border to prevent the child from falling. Additional shelves for diapers and other utensils make changing diapers much easier for parents. But the easy handling of these changing tables, which can often be opened and closed with just one hand, is also a big advantage in the stressful situation of needing a changing diaper.

High-quality changing tables for all requirements

An example from industry shows how innovation and design can go hand in hand. The changing table developed by HEWI in collaboration with Holscher Design is a real highlight. It combines safety, comfort and timeless design. With its easy-care lying surface made of high-quality PUR foam and the sturdy metal support plate, it offers everything you need for a safe changing situation. Urban parents will be particularly pleased with its easy assembly and space-saving design.

In Vienna there is definitely a need for modern changing tables in public toilets. The issue has attracted attention and it remains to be seen what steps the City of Vienna will take to meet the needs of parents and increase safety standards for public toilets. Until solutions are immediately available, parents must continue to be creative.

For more information on this topic and current developments, visit the articles from MyDistrict, Hygiene shop and HEWI.