Coronavirus Sydney: Where to exercise in the eastern suburbs
The beaches are still off limits and the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk has reopened but we’re being urged to steer clear. Find out all the places you can and can’t stretch your legs in the east right now.
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Planning your next venture out to stretch your legs is often the highlight of the day during the coronavirus lockdown.
But confusion remains about where exactly eastern suburbs residents are allowed to exercise.
After closing on Saturday our beloved Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk has reopened, although mayor Paula Masselos has warned it could easily go the same way as the beaches and has asked everyone to steer clear.
“I appreciate how important exercise is in maintaining mental and physical strength during these challenging times. It is also crucial that we continue to observe social distancing when exercising and to stay at home where possible so that together we can beat this deadly pandemic,
Mayor Masselos said.
“If you are unable to exercise at home, please consider a quick walk around the block or around some of our beautiful leafy streets, heritage areas, reserves and parks in your own neighbourhood. But I do ask that you please, stay away from the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, and observe our beach closures.
“At times (the coastal walk) is being closed. Council will continue to monitor numbers on the walk to ensure social distancing can be maintained. The walk is being closed if Council deems there to be high risk.”
Beaches remain well and truly off limits — and yes that includes you, surfers and ocean swimmers.
Bondi Skate Park and the synthetic playing fields and courts at Waverley Park remain closed as do all playgrounds.
Over in the Woollahra Council area, the Coast Walk from Christison Park to Signal Hill is open for now.
However, council has put up signage warning of social distancing requirements.
The Rose Bay foreshore walk from Tingira to Dumaresq Reserve is another option open in the Woollahra area.
Woollahra Council has closed all beaches including Camp Cove where numerous residents were spotted over the long weekend.
The council has also shut harbourside pools, playgrounds, fitness stations and basketball courts.
“We are seeing a lot more locals out and about exercising in our parks and open spaces,” Woollahra mayor Susan Wynne said.
“We know how important exercise is for physical and mental health and wellbeing, however we do ask that all residents stay as close to home as possible and please ensure that they adhere to social distancing guidelines. If all of us do the right thing we can help stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Centennial Parklands is still open for visitors but was crowded over the Easter long weekend with police launching an operation to monitor the numbers.
A better option for locals is Moore Park and the adjoining Driver’s Triangle which have been popular but not too crowded owing to the cancellation of team sports.
Rushcutters Bay Park has also been a bit too populated of late with officers regularly observed checking compliance.
Residents are urged to walk to their closest park if they have to leave the house for exercise.
A list of parks and open spaces can be found for Waverley council here and Woollahra council here.