Public toilets to reopen in Sheffield's busiest parks

Toilets, along with all other parks facilities, have been closed since March when the Government first imposed lockdown restrictions.

Following the lockdown restrictions easing on July 4, the council decided against reopening facilities as they were not confident that it was safe to do so.

Now, after completing safety inspections and cleaning, the council is reopening the toilets in 3 locations, with the intention to increase this to 6 locations in the following days.

Initially, from today, toilets will only be open at Graves Park Rose Garden Café Building, Millhouses Park and Endcliffe Park. They will be open between 9am to 5pm, 7 days per week.

An attendant will manage entry during opening hours and cleaning of touch points will take place throughout the day. Hand washing facilities with soap will be available in all toilet areas.

It is planned that toilets will also be reopened at Forge Dam, Rivelin Valley and the Botanical Gardens, once full safety and hygiene measures are in place for each site.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “I know it will be welcome news that toilets are reopening in some of our most popular parks, a decision that we have considered very carefully.

“To enable reopening we have restricted the times that people can use the toilets and will have an attendant present to manage entry and keep touch points clean.

“This means we cannot reopen all toilets at this stage, while we ensure these measures are manageable. I know this may be frustrating for parks visitors, but we are not willing to compromise on staff and public safety. We will open more toilets as soon as we possibly can.

“Our green spaces have given us all space to relax and socialise over the last few months, and this change will help to protect our natural environment, while allowing people to enjoy a longer day out in our wonderful parks.”