Playgrounds across Adelaide start to reopen following advice of SA Health
In good news for mums and dads, metropolitan councils have already started reopening playgrounds, following advice from SA’s chief medical officer that they are again safe for children.
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Councils across Adelaide have started reopening playgrounds, following advice from the state’s chief medical officer Nicola Spurrier that they are safe for children to play on again.
Metropolitan councils have responded quickly to a letter from Prof Spurrier urging them to reopen play spaces, and are removing bunting and sourcing signs to be installed, reminding the community of social distancing rules and the 10-gathering limit.
Charles Sturt Council responded immediately, and reopened all its 150 playgrounds on Sunday. Many councils, including West Torrens, Playford and Prospect, started reopening their play equipment yesterday.
Prospect Council’s infrastructure and environment director Simon Bradley said while playgrounds were cleaned regularly, it was vital that visitors took their own action to stay safe.
“In the current environment, people may wish to bring their own sanitisers and antiseptic wipes to wipe hands and any equipment before using it,” Mr Bradley said.
Salisbury Council has already reopened its unfenced play areas and its enclosed playgrounds will reopen later this week.
Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge said the council would continue with its scheduled cleaning program, but would not be responsible for sanitising equipment.
“We are requesting parents bring along their own hand wipes or sanitiser, and make sure hands are washed after visiting the playground,” she said.
Norwood, Payneham & St Peters Mayor Robert Bria said staff were just as excited as the council’s youngest citizens that playgrounds were no longer off limits.
Adelaide Hills Council opened Lions Park at Bridgewater and Steamroller Park in Stirling on Monday and another 30 play areas are expected to be open by the end of the week.
Mayor Jan-Claire Wisdom said the council was “delighted” to be reopening playgrounds “as we know how valued they are by our community”.
“This is especially true given the current restrictions on social activity under COVID-19 as they provide a destination for families to enjoy outdoor activity together and for children to burn off some extra energy in a healthy way,” she said.
Mount Barker District Council is reopening all its playgrounds, skate parks, BMX tracks, exercise equipment and its dog park this week.
Holdfast Bay Council has also started reopening play areas but the Glenelg Foreshore and John Miller Reserve playgrounds will remain closed until maintenance is completed.
Port Adelaide Enfield Mayor Claire Boan said while her council was reopening its 126 playgrounds, it was seeking more clarity around the requirement for cleaning play equipment.
Adelaide City Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said her council would start to reopen its play equipment, BMX track and outdoor fitness stations this week.
“Being able to get outside and play is so important for children’s mental and physical wellbeing so it’s wonderful that families will be able to enjoy our playgrounds again,” she said.
Burnside chief executive Chris Cowley said his council was reviewing the advice from SA Health to make sure the reopening of playgrounds was “conducted in an appropriate manner”.
Onkaparinga Council was the only metropolitan council to keep playgrounds open following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s suggestion in late March that they be closed.
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Prof Spurrier said in her letter reopening parks and playgrounds would send a message to the community that efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 had been worthwhile.
Woodville South resident Tara O’Kelly and her children Harvey, 8, and Daisy, 6, are excited their local playground at St Clair Recreation Centre has reopened.
“It feels great knowing the kids can run around and play and get some sunshine at their favourite playground,” Ms O’Kelly said.
“I think it’s a great thing the restrictions are starting to ease.
“It’ll help the kids realise that life is still normal and they can still play and do the regular things they used to do before everything closed.”