Bedford's play areas will start to re-open this week

Some children’s play areas and outdoor gyms in Bedford Borough will be re- opening from 12pm tomorrow (Thursday).

The council has been working to get its over 120 play areas ready for re-opening, in line with Government guidance to keep the public safe.

This work has included the removal of some equipment to help maintain social distancing and getting signage ready to publicise the rules that people must follow to stay safe when using the play equipment.

When visiting the play areas, please make sure you:

- Stay at home if you or your children are displaying symptoms of coronavirus, and get a test

- Bring hand sanitiser and use it before and after entering the play area

- Bring wipes and wipe down any equipment your children wish to use, before and after use

- Supervise children at all times, with a maximum of 1 parent/carer per child

- Only allow one child on each piece of equipment at a time

- Maintain social distancing

- Do not allow your child to touch their face while in the play area

- Do not eat or drink anything within the play area

- Take away any litter or rubbish that you have.

Parents/carers are also being asked to limit their family’s visit to a play area to 1 hour, to allow other people to enjoy it.

If the play area if busy, people are asked to come back another time.

These rules also apply to the outdoor gym equipment.

The play areas/gym equipment that will be open in the first phase are those in:

- Russell Park

- Mowsbury Park

- Addison Howard Park

- Jubilee Park

- Bedford Park

- Goldington Green

- Great Denham Country Park

- Westbourne Gardens.

Cllr Charles Royden, portfolio holder for environment, said: “We made the decision to keep play areas closed due to the high infection rate locally, but we know that the play areas are well-loved and well-used and I am pleased that we are able to start opening them in a safe and controlled way.

“Our parks team will be out monitoring how the play areas are used in this first phase of opening and how well people are sticking to the rules.

"There will be posters up at the play areas displaying these new rules, and please do take the time to get familiar with what you need to do, and what your children cannot do before you visit.

“We will look to expand the number of open play areas, if we can do so safely.”