Sheffield's playgrounds WILL NOT reopen on July 4 amid safety concerns

None of Sheffield’s 154 playgrounds will reopen when lockdown is eased tomorrow (July 4), as the city council is not yet confident that it would be safe to do so.
By Lloyd Bent
Published 3rd Jul 2020, 16:37 BST
Updated 3rd Jul 2020, 16:37 BST
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Today Sheffield City Council confirmed that it will not be in a position to reopen any playground or outdoor gym equipment from July 4, but hopes to be able to open a small number once confident that safety measures are ‘robust and in place’.

Public toilets will also remain closed until further notice.

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A spokesperson said they hoped to reopen the facilities ‘as soon as possible’.

Sheffield City Council is waiting until the are confident that it is safe to reopen playgrounds.Sheffield City Council is waiting until the are confident that it is safe to reopen playgrounds.
Sheffield City Council is waiting until the are confident that it is safe to reopen playgrounds.

Following the Government's announcement that playgrounds and outdoor gyms can reopen from July 4, the council's parks and countryside service has been working through the challenges to enable reopening safely.

Outdoor play or gym equipment is usually available to the public in more than 150 open spaces in Sheffield but these were closed in line with Government restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: "We're working as quickly as possible to enable the reopening of some playgrounds and outdoor equipment. We fully acknowledge that the restrictions in place have had a huge impact on mental and physical wellbeing and I know how difficult the last three months have been for families and those with no access to physical activity equipment.

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"For those reasons we want to allow residents to start using our outdoor equipment again, but we must put safety first. We are confident that we can bring in the necessary safety measures to support the use of our playgrounds, but managing this will not be easy, so reopening will be phased. Locations will be opened at sites that allow for social distancing first and foremost, and to make sure people in all areas of the city can access the facilities.

"At this stage I must ask everyone to refrain from using outdoor equipment and playgrounds but be reassured that we are doing everything we can to ensure these areas can open as soon as they are completely safe. We are grateful for your patience and will provide an update as soon as possible."

Related topics:Sheffield City CouncilSheffieldGovernment