All 50 play areas in Erewash will re-open this week on
Thursday 9th July following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions and
comprehensive safety checks by Erewash Borough Council. The council has carried out extensive
inspections on the play sites across the borough and is now urging residents to
follow safety guidance to keep everyone as safe as possible and minimise the
risks of spreading the virus. In
addition to the play areas, the outdoor gym equipment at West Park in Long
Eaton will also reopen. Councillor
Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure,
says:
“Before re-opening the play areas, our first priority has
been to ensure that they all meet the highest standards of safety in line with
all the guidance issued to combat covid-19. I can assure everyone that a lot of
hard work has gone in to ensure children will be as safe as possible. We know
our play facilities are very popular with families, especially during the
summer. However, we do need everyone to play their part and appeal to parents
to take responsibility for basic hygiene measures and safety guidance. We thank
everyone for their help in this.”
Safety advice will be on display at the play areas, with
guidance including:
·
Please do not visit the park if any family
member has symptoms of the virus.
·
Continue to follow safe social distancing of
at least two metres where possible and encourage children to do the same.
·
Wash hands before leaving the house and on
returning home. At the park use hand sanitiser regularly, especially before and
after eating, and after touching shared surfaces such as gates, railings and
climbing frames.
·
Take wipes to clean the areas of play
equipment that children are most likely to touch, such as the handles on
seesaws and bars on climbing frames.
·
Discourage children from putting their hands
in their mouths after playing, and from putting their mouths on the play
equipment.
·
Avoid eating or drinking within play
areas.
·
If the bins are full, please take your litter
home with you.
Anyone using the outdoor gym circuit at West
Park is asked to take cleaning products with them and wipe down equipment
before and after use. Wash or sanitise hands before and after using the gym and
do not use if feeling unwell. The
Splashpad water playpark at West Park remains closed until further notice in
line with Government guidance.