Bedford Borough Council play areas open

From this weekend, all Bedford Borough Council play areas will be open apart from Kingfisher play area in Wixams.

The Council has been working to get its over 120 play areas ready for reopening, in line with Government guidance to keep the public safe.

This work has included the removal of some equipment to help maintain social distancing and getting signage ready to publicise the rules that people must follow to stay safe when using the play equipment.

When visiting the play areas, please make sure you:

• Stay at home if you or your children are displaying symptoms of coronavirus, and get a test
• Bring hand sanitiser and use it before and after entering the play area
• Bring wipes and wipe down any equipment your children wish to use, before and after use
• Supervise children at all times, with a maximum of 1 parent/carer per child
• Only allow one child on each piece of equipment at a time
• Maintain social distancing
• Do not allow your child to touch their face while in the play area
• Do not eat or drink anything within the play area
• Take away any litter or rubbish that you have

Parents/carers are also being asked to limit their family's visit to a play area to 1 hour, to allow other people to enjoy it. If the play area if busy, people are asked to come back another time.

These rules also apply to the outdoor gym equipment.

Unfortunately, a large piece of play equipment in Kingfisher play area in the Wixams is in need of maintenance so this park will have to remain closed for the time being.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said "Eight play areas opened last week, and the team has been working to get the rest of our parks open in a safe, and responsible way. While we are taking steps towards 'normality' with play areas re-opening, coronavirus has not gone away. We are urging residents to behave responsibly when visiting a local park, follow the rules that are in place for your safety, and help ensure that we avoid further spikes or the need for a local lockdown."