Thousands of playgrounds cleaned ahead of reopening

Thousands of playgrounds will reopen today as part of the coronavirus recovery roadmap. While council workers have been busy making the equipment safe, the public are encouraged to now do their part to keep it that way.

THOUSANDS of playgrounds have been disinfected in a hygiene blitz by Queensland councils ahead of the reopening of facilities today.

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Councils across the Sunshine State will reopen public facilities – including about 2000 playgrounds between the Sunshine and Gold coasts – in line with the coronavirus roadmap.

Koa Newton-Fowler, 3, is excited at the chance to get back down to his local park as COVID-19 restrictions are gradually lifted. Photo Lachie Millard

While children have been champing at the bit to hit the swings, Brisbane City Council workers sanitised and disinfected 1061 playgrounds across the River City. After similar treatment, another 600 will reopen on the Gold Coast and 361 on the Sunshine Coast.

It’s a grand reopening that Emma Newton, of Peregian Beach, said her family would take full advantage of.

“My son (Koa) will be over the moon to get back on a swing,” she said.

“We’re super keen to head down to the park and the beach.”

Councils have reminded residents that hygiene is still vital.

“Now is the not the time to undo all of our good work,” a Sunshine Coast Council spokeswoman said.

“Residents are strongly encouraged to bring hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes to use when touching public surfaces such as playground equipment and exercise equipment.”

Outdoor skate parks and exercise equipment will also reopen, with councils emphasising all facilities will be regularly cleaned.

Koa Newton-Fowler is ‘over the moon’ at the chance to get back down to his local park. Photo Lachie Millard