The first two Changing Places have been installed in the Netherlands

One of the most exciting things at Changing Places International is when we receive news of the installation of the first Changing Places Toilet in a country where none have existed before. Congratulations to the Netherlands for making this exciting step!

It is always interesting to see how Changing Places Toilets get their first foothold in a country as the movement gathers momentum worldwide.  This can be informative to campaigners in other countries who may be looking to take those first steps.



In the case of the Netherlands, the debut Changing Places Toilets are both located in popular Visitor Attractions.  These facilities have contributed to the mission of Joint Projects, the team behind their planning and installation, to make recreation accessible to all.

Karin Stiksma from Joint Projects "the need for Changing Places Toilets in the Netherlands is great, with some 100,000 people in need of their provision. Joint Projects brings the need for these facilities to the attention of the recreation sector and municipal authorities."

The very first Changing Places Toilet in the Netherlands was opened in March 2024 at Beekse Bergen Safari Park, a popular visitor attraction in the south of the Netherlands.

Beekse Bergen Safari Park

Changing Places Toilet at Beekse Bergen Safari Park, Hilvarenbeek

Joint Projects have shared their experience that although the space, the equipment and the controls must of course be in order technically, the soft side to such projects is also crucial.  Specific time was given to run through all relevant aspects of operations with the management and training was given to employees by an expert, explaining how the toilet works and advising them on how to make the use of a Changing Places Toilet a hospitable experience. This is a great example of how to ensure the benefits of a Changing Places Toilet are maximised.

The second ever Changing Places Toilet in the Netherlands has been installed at Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn, a 17th century palace (now a museum) that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.  Het Loo Palace also has the accolade of being the first museum in the Netherlands to install a Changing Places Toilet, providing essential support for visitors. 

Changing Places Toilet at Het Loo Palace, Apeldoorn

These two Changing Places Toilets have now been added to our international map and we look forward to receiving more news from the Netherlands in the coming months. 

Please keep sending us stories, updates and case studies that may benefit others around the globe.