It’s play time: Children, parents rejoice as playgrounds across the NT reopen
SLIPPERY slides, scavenger nets and seesaws will be in full swing across the Northern Territory today after the red tape on playgrounds was cut yesterday.
Northern Territory
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SLIPPERY slides, scavenger nets and seesaws will be in full swing across the Northern Territory today after the red tape on playgrounds was cut yesterday.
The opening of playgrounds is a godsend for mums like Amelia Speed, who has been busy keeping son Hamish, 3, and daughter Lola, 4 months, entertained under the coronavirus restrictions.
“We don’t have any play equipment at home, so it’s hard to keep them entertained inside when Hamish just likes playing outside,” Ms Speed said.
“We didn’t have much to do outside and because we haven’t been able to visit friends it has made it more difficult.”
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The reopening of the parks could not have come at a better time.
“With the dry season, it’s really good timing for us. I think it would have been really difficult at home with it being really nice weather,” Ms Speed said.
Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said Darwin could once again hear the sound of laughing children enjoying the outdoors.
“We’re giving Territorians the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor life like the one we’re used to,” Mr Vatskalis said.
“We’ve got 128 parks, we’ve been through all the playgrounds, made sure they are clean and sterilised.
“We take (the) health and safety of Territorians very seriously but I am overjoyed we are able to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle everyone takes for granted.”
Mr Vatskalis said as children would be eager to hit the playground running, parents should be congratulated for maintaining social distances.
“I reckon you’re going to battle with hundreds of kids to find access to any playground,” he said.
“(But) we realised what we had to lose, stuck to the rules and we are the first state in Australia to open up … I think parents will be very sensible not to let kids go near each other.”
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Territory pools also opened at midday yesterday, with council staff having maintained chemical levels throughout the pandemic to ensure they would be ready for reopening.
Originally published as It’s play time: Children, parents rejoice as playgrounds across the NT reopen