Play parks to reopen from the weekend as Durham County Council puts in safety measures

Durham County Council will begin the reopening on Saturday, July 11, when eight play parks will be in use once again. They were chosen by the council as they are the most popular facilities and have a wide geographical spread.

They include Hardwick Park in Sedgefield and Wharton Park in Durham City. Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street has not been included as it is undergoing repairs.

The others are Stanhope West End Playing Field, Langley Moor Holiday Park, Blackhill and Consett Park, Willington Town Centre Park, Bishop Auckland Jane Armstrong Park and Stanley Oakey Park.

Durham County Council is making individual risk assessments on all 175 of the children’s play parks under its jurisdiction, and is working to reopen them all as soon as it is safe to do so.

But some play parks in the county are owned and maintained by town and parish councils.

These include Peterlee, where the facilities have been opened since Saturday July 4 and Seaham, where they will remain closed. Seaham Town Council says it is unable to provide the resources necessary to reopen the town’s play parks.

The eight parks to reopen will do so under the watchful eye of staff who will ensure that a raft of precautions are adhered to.

Park users are asked to wash their hands before and after visiting the playgrounds, observing the two-metre distancing guidance and avoiding entering a park if it looks busy.

They should not bring food, drink or their own cleaning products, take their litter home and not attend if they or anyone in their household has coronavirus symptoms.

Councillor Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Our play parks provide a safe place for children to play, exercise and explore and we, like many families in the county, are keen for them to reopen as soon as possible.

“However, as the lockdown eases it is important we put the right measures in place to protect the public.

"In County Durham, the response to the Government guidance and restrictions put in place throughout the pandemic has been incredibly positive.”

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