Play areas and outdoor gyms to open

Play areas and outdoor fitness equipment in our award winning parks and open spaces will be open from Saturday 4 July 2020, in line with government guidance.

The council recognises how important these facilities are for people to maintain their health and mental wellbeing and reminds residents and visitors it’s vital that everyone respects these spaces and behaves appropriately so that they can be enjoyed by all.

To stop the spread of COVID-19, the council requests everyone to follow the government’s social distancing guidelines. Guidance posters will be available for all to follow at children’s play areas and at outdoor fitness equipment locations.

Cllr Chris Coleman member for clean and green environment said: “Parks and play areas offer enjoyment for everyone and we are pleased to welcome people back.

‘’However, we need people to stay alert, maintain social distance, follow hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing, bringing your own hand sanitiser or wipes and follow the guidance on the posters at the play and fitness equipment areas. With young children we know social distancing is challenging so some play equipment has been removed to encourage distance and markers will be in place to guide visitors, where required. We would ask everyone to be patient and considerate of others while using the play areas.

‘’Ubico teams have been regularly cleaning our parks and will now resume maintenance of play areas. Our parks have seen an increased volume of littering and together with the police and other key partners, the council now has an action plan to combat the increasing problems with littering, anti-social behaviour and drinking in our open spaces. As part of this, residents will soon see new signage and increased patrolling all aimed at keeping our spaces clean, safe and enjoyable.’’

At the four larger parks: Hatherley, Montpellier, Pittville and Sandford Park there will be social distancing and queuing markers on the ground and arrows to guide visitors where appropriate. Pittville Play area will be closed daily between 7am and 9am to facilitate maintenance activities.

Visitors to parks and open spaces are encouraged to report overflowing bins to the council at www.cheltenham.gov.uk/reportit  or 01242 262626.
 

Notes:

Sandford Park toilets will open on 4 July.

Government guidance about reopening of play areas and outdoor gym equipment can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-playgrounds-and-outdoor-gyms/covid-19-guidance-for-managing-playgrounds-and-outdoor-gyms#key-principles-for-safely-reopening-playgrounds-and-outdoor-gyms.

Government guidance about staying safe outside your home can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home.