EIGHT playgrounds to reopen across Sheffield - full list and new rules revealed

Eight playgrounds across city parks will reopen later this week after Sheffield Council gave the green light following safety inspections.
By Steve Jones
Published 28th Jul 2020, 11:52 BST
Updated 28th Jul 2020, 11:53 BST
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From tomorrow, children will once again be allowed to play in the public spaces which have been shut since the beginning of lockdown in late March.

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Outdoor play or gym equipment is usually available to the public in more than 150 open spaces in Sheffield.

The playground at Endcliffe Park is one of eight reopening throughout the city.The playground at Endcliffe Park is one of eight reopening throughout the city.
The playground at Endcliffe Park is one of eight reopening throughout the city.

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Those playgrounds reopening include sites at some of Sheffield’s most popular parks including Endcliffe, Graves (Rose Garden), Forge Dam, Rivelin and Millhouses. Play areas at parks in Chapeltown, Colley Park and Parson Cross will also reopen, with more to follow on a weekly basis.

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Regular equipment cleaning is being introduced, with some of the busier parks being cleaned daily. Some middle swings have also been removed to support social distancing.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to reopen some playgrounds across the city. I know it will make a big difference to families who may have been struggling to keep little ones entertained.

“We have taken a little longer to reopen these facilities because there are safety challenges to overcome. Protection and prevention remains our top priority and we are not willing to compromise on this."

The changes will be kept ‘under review’, Coun Lea added.

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It is asked that wherever possible only one parent or carer should accompany children in the playground and no food or drink should be consumed inside the playground area. Visitors should also wipe down equipment and touch points and avoid coming at busier times.

Greg Fell, director of Public Health in Sheffield, said playgrounds ‘present high risks in terms of contact’.

He said: “To reduce the risk of infection everyone must be responsible when using the facilities. The council are cleaning playgrounds weekly to keep them clean, but we also ask that people help where they can.

“Good hygiene practice is paramount for keeping yourself safe and protecting others and even more importantly, if you are poorly and think you have symptoms, however mild, please stay at home.”