Sheffield parks open up more facilities to visitors after coronavirus lockdown

The change, which has been brought in with immediate effect, follows the Governments recent relaxation of the rules brought in to fight coronavirus in March.

The updated guidance allows people to spend more time in parks and meet with one person from another household, as well as use outdoor sports courts or facilities.

Toilets, cafes, clubhouses, playgrounds and multi-use games areas remain closed, however, and the Council are hoping to open cafes and ice cream vans in early June.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at Sheffield Council, said: “We kept all our parks grounds open to allow people the many benefits of daily exercise in outdoor green spaces, on their doorsteps, but closed all other facilities to keep people safe.

“Since the Government updated restrictions around time spent in parks and relaxing rules on essential travel, we have been reviewing all our parks’ facilities to enable reopening of those where we feel safe social distancing can still happen.

“However, while we want people to enjoy their time outside and have a little freedom, fun and fitness, I must also stress that the risks are still high. Everyone must take responsibility and follow the social distancing rules that are in place to protect us all.

“If you are going to be out and about please consider avoiding some of our typically busier parks, go explore somewhere new and have a healthy and happy bank holiday weekend.”

Car parks are currently free of charge and people will be notified in advance when charges come back in to affect, Coun Lea added.

The announcement also affects bowling greens, which are also now available for use, subject to strict safety measures.

Signs have been placed at each location with guidelines that must be followed at all bowling greens, to allow users to bowl safely and adhere to the Government’s social distancing guidelines.

Anyone who has any symptoms of the coronavirus illness (Covid-19), however mild, should stay at home, as should anyone listed by the Government as being in the at-risk group.