As Shrewsbury starts to emerge from the Coronavirus partial lockdown, the Town Council has begun to open up more of its facilities.
Play areas at three locations in the town were re-opened on Saturday [July 4].
The Town Council has had to ensure that strict conditions have been met before opening the play areas in the Quarry, Greenfields and Monkmoor.
Councillor Kevin Pardy, Chairman of the Town Council’s Recreation & Leisure Committee, said: “Whilst there is some hesitancy in emerging from the partial lockdown, the Town Council has now started to re-open some of our play areas in the town.
“We realise that the last few months have been hard for so many people, but we appreciate the public’s support during this time. We have a number of play areas dotted around the town, and I would encourage people to visit the Town Council’s website to find the play area closest to where they live to make sure that they are open.”
The Town Council has undertaken an in-depth inspection of all its play areas over the last few weeks and has ensured that the play equipment for those that are already open is ready and safe to use in line with the current government advice.
Helen Ball, town clerk for the Town Council, added: “We are in the early stages of re-opening some of our play areas around the town, and as we’re expecting them to be heavily used, I would ask that parents continue to take a sensible approach when visiting.
“The latest restrictions mean that we have been able to open our play areas in the Quarry, Greenfields and both our play areas at Monkmoor. We are looking at opening our other play areas over the next few weeks and will let the public know the details in advance.
“Signs with advice on what people need to do to ensure the safety of themselves and their children will be placed at all our play areas and I would urge people to follow the guidance available.
“We have kept our green spaces open throughout the lockdown so that people can take their daily exercise, and it is good that we are now able to help children here in Shrewsbury by providing a location where they can have some fun outdoors.”
The Town Council asks that people take a practical approach to using the play areas and observe the following guidelines:
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- Follow the current social distancing guidelines and encourage children to do the same.
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- If the playground is busy, consider coming back at a later time. Explain to children before visiting to avoid disappointment.
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- Wash your and your children’s hands before and after visiting.
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- Take hand sanitiser with you and consider taking a bottle of water in case your children’s hands get dirty.
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- Ensure your children use hand sanitiser on a regular basis.
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- Follow and adhere to all current government advice.
The full list of the Town Council’s play areas can be found on their website at https://www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk/assets/recreation-groundplay-areasporting-facilities
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