Preston play areas re-opening safely

3 July 2020

As the Government further eases lockdown restrictions from Saturday 4 July, play areas across Preston parks will start to re-open.

The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown has been difficult for lots of people, in many different ways. Being able to visit Preston's beautiful parks and open spaces has been a lifeline for the health and wellbeing of many residents. The easing of restrictions so play areas can be used again will be welcome news to many families, but this has to be done in a safe way for everyone.

Our Parks teams will be working very hard to visit each site, carry out safety inspections on play equipment, and changing signage to give appropriate guidelines on using the play areas in a safe way that protects everyone. This means that not every play area in Preston will be safe and ready for this weekend, but should be over the coming week.

Play areas hoping to be open on Saturday 4 July:

• Avenham Park
• Moor Park
• Ashton Park
• Ribbleton Park

We're also hopeful of opening play areas at Haslam Park and Grange Park, but this is not guaranteed.

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet member for environment and community safety, said,

"Good weather in the summer time means busy play areas across Preston. This year has been very different due to the Coronavirus pandemic and with Government restrictions easing, we know families will be eager to visit and use the play equipment again.

"While everyone is working really hard to carry out the necessary safety checks at play areas across the city, we'd ask that people continue to be patient so each site can be thoroughly checked before it's opened for use. If you visit a site which is still taped off and closed, please respect this and return another day.

"The number one priority is the health and safely of all residents and visitors to the play areas so we'd ask people to continue to follow social distancing and hand sanitising practices to protect themselves and others."

We're also pleased to announce the re-opening of the Pavilion Café at Avenham Park from Saturday 4 July, 7 days a week between 11am - 4pm.

We would ask customers to follow the signage which will detail specific requirements at the venue.

Background information

• We love you visiting our parks and open spaces, but ask that you be considerate to other users and leave them as beautiful as you found them. If a litter bin is full, please find another or take your rubbish home with you.
• We are working with partners across the County to support the most vulnerable in our community who are facing difficulties, worries and loneliness as a result of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
• If you are isolated by Covid-19 and need help please visit our Preston Together page ring 01772 906777 or email support@preston.gov.uk 
• Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.