Playgrounds And Outdoor Gyms Opening

Published on: 5 Jul, 2020
Updated on: 7 Jul, 2020

The swings can get back into action in Westnye Gardens.

Children’s lives can begin to return to normal with the lifting of restrictions allowed all 66 playgrounds in the borough to re-open from yesterday (July 4). Families are asked to Play Safe and follow the council’s guidelines based on the government’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) advice.

Each area has signs explaining the special guidelines. Made by Guildford Borough Council’s Parks Team, the acrostic is easy to remember and promotes social distancing and hygiene standards.

Children will be glad to be able to use the playgrounds again but the council warns parents to come prepared with sanitizer.

We ask all visitors to bring their own hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes, and to wash their hands before and after using the play area or outdoor gym. The council cannot disinfect equipment.

The Play Safe guidelines are:

Play two metres away from others not in your household/bubble;
Leave no germs, wash your hands before and after use;
Always clean equipment before use;
Young children to be supervised carefully to maintain hygiene;
Suggested maximum time here is 30 minutes;
And one household/bubble for each item of play equipment;
Family members, only one with each child please; and
End your visit if the play area is busy, or becomes busy, come back another time.

Cllr James Steel

Cllr James Steel, lead for the Environment, said: “We are so pleased to welcome our borough’s children back to their playgrounds. The lockdown has been so difficult for so many and for this age group in particular.

“Our outdoor gyms will also be opening tomorrow, and we know many of you will be keen to use these again. Although we are able to slowly move towards greater freedoms, please do continue to follow the guidance and be cautious.

“If the playground or equipment looks busy, go home and come back later. We have to ensure that only a certain amount of families are able to use the area at any one time. We want to ensure the areas remain open for everybody to enjoy throughout the summer.”

Cllr Steel added: “Please remember to ‘Play Safe’, clean your children’s hands and the equipment, especially handles and chains on swings that are touched. Our parks staff will be visiting our play areas, so please do say hello and do as they ask if areas become overcrowded.”

Residents should not use any play area if they have Coronavirus (Covid-19) symptoms or have been in contact with anybody who has. Please ensure those with a disability are given priority.

Adults should ensure children don’t put their mouths on equipment, or their hands in their mouth. Please don’t eat food in the play area and please put litter in the bin or take it home.