Play parks to reopen across east Antrim

The council is reminding people of all ages to play safe and stay safe by following the rules around health protection and social distancing.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “In line with the latest guidance from the Northern Ireland Executive, council is working hard to ensure all our play parks will be open from July 10, although a few play parks may not open until next week due to some essential works still needing completed.”

Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, encouraged families to enjoy the borough’s play facilities safely.

The DUP representative said: “Prior to reopening, council have undertaken maintenance checks and risk assessments to ensure that the play equipment is safe to use and that all sites are ready for use.

“Following three months of closure due to Covid-19 we are expecting our play parks to be in high demand and widely used over the summer holiday period.

“We would like to remind families that other open spaces such as beaches, woodlands and open green spaces are also great places to play, and residents could consider visiting such sites, as well as our play parks.

“And if you’re a whizz on wheels, don’t forget that Carrickfergus Skate Park will also be open to the public from Friday, July 10.”

Alan Herron, PlayBoard Director of Service Delivery and Development, added: “Play is a fundamental part of children’s lives, providing opportunities to develop physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing, establish new friendships and develop new skills.

“Research currently being undertaken by PlayBoard has shown that the period of lockdown has had a significant impact in restricting children’s play and we welcome the reopening of play parks as a further step back towards normality.

“Emerging scientific evidence suggests that the level of Covid-19 risk to children, particularly in outdoor locations such as play parks, is low in comparison to other groups in society. Providing play parks do not get excessively busy and that the guidance is adhered to the level of risk should be low.”

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Officers have been working with PlayBoard NI to develop guidance for parents to enable facilities to reopen.

Risk assessments have been carried out in accordance with Health and Safety Executive recommendations and research conducted by the UK Play Policy Forum into the impact of Covid-19 and children’s play.

The council spokesperson added: “A range of measures aimed at minimising the risk of infection have been agreed and parents and children visiting play parks are asked to adhere to the following guidance.

“If the play park you wish to use has not yet been officially reopened, please do no attempt to use or access the equipment, and we will get the play park opened as soon as possible.

“In some cases, damaged or broken pieces of play equipment may have been secured to prevent use. If an item has been secured in this manner, do not attempt to remove the temporary barriers or use the equipment.

“When visiting a play park make sure you follow current government guidance on social distancing, encourage and support your children to do the same and keep a safe distance from others not in your household/social bubble.

“Play parks may be busier than usual. If the park you visit is busy, consider coming back at a later time and let your child know in advance that this may be a possibility to avoid disappointment.

“Wash your hands and your children’s hands before and after visiting the play park. Take hand sanitiser with you and ensure you and your child use it frequently whilst in the play park.

“Make sure any disposable tissues, PPE equipment etc. are disposed of in the bins provided or if one is not available take it home for disposal.

“If you or anyone in your household are showing any coronavirus symptoms, stay home and do not visit the play park.”

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank 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.

You 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.