Parents advised to read new rules before taking kids to play parks
and live on Freeview channel 276
The play parks are set to reopen on July 10 on a staggered basis as many of the 90 parks need to be cleaned after three months of closure.
The Council says there will be a focus on ‘user self-regulation’ with parents and guardians required to take responsibility for social distancing and appropriate supervision.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWhile signs will be up in all play parks reminding users of the new rules, parents are advised to read the guidelines beforehand so they are prepared and can pre-warn their children of the new rules.
A Council spokesperson said: “It may mean longer waiting times for equipment and advising them on how to practice safe social distancing and hygiene standards.”
Rules include only one family member accompanying a child.
Also everyone will be expected to wash and sanitise their hands before and after using a play park and children are asked to try not to touch their face while playing. Children in particular will have to be told to social distance from people outside of their bubble, and no eating or drinking will be allowed in any play park.
The spokesperson added: “While it should go without saying, if a parent or anyone in the family is unwell then no member of the household should enter the play park.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdLord Mayor Kevin Savage, said: “We have invested a lot in our Play Strategy, so I think parents already know that we value children’s play, but we also value everyone’s health so it’s important that we all keep within the guidelines. Staying safe is everyone’s social responsibility. Following the guidance and being safety-conscious is the best way to protect your family and everyone else’s.
“While permission to reopen play parks is a welcome move by the Executive, I would remind parents that play equipment is shared, so there is still a risk. In an effort to minimise these risks, parents may wish to use wipes or PPE, which is great, but I would urge you to please bring your litter home to be disposed of there. During Covid-19 when the play parks were closed we were delighted to see that natural play in our parks and open spaces (by families in their bubbles) has increased across the Borough.”
Outdoor gyms, MUGAs, skate park and pump tracks are to open on July 10.
For information check out the council website armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/coronavirus/#leisureamenities.A message from the Editor:
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.
Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdYou can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk
With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.
Thank you
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.