Coronavirus Gold Coast: Council to reopen playgrounds and gym equipment to public

Playgrounds, gym equipment and barbecues will be reopened in Gold Coast parks – and parking meters switched back on – in the latest step towards life after COVID-19.

PLAYGROUNDS, gym equipment and barbecues will be reopened in Gold Coast parks in the latest step towards life after COVID-19.

Mayor Tom Tate this morning announced barricades and tape will be removed from playgrounds by week’s end, allowing the public to use them again from Saturday morning.

The Kurrawa All Abilities Playground will reopen this weekend. Pic by Luke Marsden.

MORE NEWS

Owner on rumours of top venue’s demise

Fish house bulldozed to make way for new tower

Huge discounts on rental properties as listings surge

Jobkeeper cuts would be ‘disastrous’

Gold Coast restaurants opening this Saturday

Cr Tate said it was an important step back to normality.

“Stage one will be Saturday, May 15 when all playgrounds, gyms and barbecues will be reopened in parks,” he said.

“Skate parks, outdoor basketball courts will also be reopened and sports fields will be opened to groups of 10 people, as will park bookings.

“The Broadwater Parklands will be reopened but only in groups of 10, though the bouncing pillow will remain closed”

Park equipment was closed in late March as part of social distancing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Palm Beach pirate Park Photograph: Jason O'Brien

Cr Tate said the council’s tourist parks would be reopened only to essential travellers while parking meters will be turned back on.

“As for the pools I will wait another week and my question is about social distancing,” he said.

“I am looking to open them to elite sports swimmers first so they can get back into training.”