Adelaide councils lock up playgrounds as tougher Federal Government restrictions come into play
South Australian councils are using bunting, temporary fencing and locks to close playgrounds as the Federal Government cracks down further on outdoor gatherings.
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Several Adelaide councils are roping off or locking playgrounds as the Federal Government cracks down further on outdoor gatherings.
Councils across metropolitan Adelaide are also moving to erect signage banning the use of hundreds of playgrounds.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skate parks were now banned amid the coronavirus pandemic.
SA Health has advised COVID-19 can survive on surfaces for a few hours and in rarer cases up to several days.
West Torrens and Playford councils have gone to the extreme measure of locking fenced playgrounds and has closed nine outdoor gym stations.
Adelaide Hills is also securing gates with cable ties at some playgrounds while other playspaces are being taped off where possible.
Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Council began sealing off its 29 playgrounds and Felixstow Reserve gym equipment with bunting on Friday last week.
Holdfast Bay has removed play equipment, including swing seats, where possible.
Campbelltown Council will close 64 playgrounds, five outdoor exercise equipment sites and its skate park with signage being erected.
Burnside Council is closing its 34 playgrounds and new pump track in the car park of the council’s Tusmore civic centre, using signage and bunting to block access.
Charles Sturt is closing 126 playgrounds and 16 sites with outdoor exercise equipment with signage installed.
Adelaide Hills Council closed 40 sites from last week including three skate parks, four BMX tracks, playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment.
Playford Council has shut off power to all barbecues and the water play area at Playford Town Park. It has also cut power to floodlighting at all sport and recreation facilities, including skate parks and tennis courts, in an attempt to “discourage people gathering”.
Gawler Council has closed its playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment, barbecues and the Clonlea Reserve Dog Park.
Charlotte Reimer, of Magill, said she used to take the kids to the playground once or twice a week.
“Being outside is really important to us as a family,” she said.
“During this new type of ‘normal’, our front yard has become our escape. We love listening to the birdies, breathing in the fresh air and most of all having fun.
“It’s also good opportunity to wave and connect with the neighbours over the fence, and from a distance, as they walk past.”
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A Local Government Association South Australia spokesman said it was advising all councils to install signage and, where possible, bunting or temporary fencing to restrict access.
