Skateparks still closed, but playgrounds, parks reopen Friday

Hilltops Council made the call on Wednesday following the NSW government's announcement of the easing of some restrictions from Friday, May 15.

Council encourages people to use hand sanitiser and also wipe down play equipment before and after use.

"The risk of COVID-19 transmission from outdoor parks, playgrounds and equipment is low and can be managed by following important social distancing and hygiene precautions. I urge everyone to be respectful of the facilities in order to keep them open," general manager Anthony O'Reilly said.

Ten people will be allowed in parks and playgrounds at any one time and social distancing must be followed.

Council says signage will be in place outlining these requirements.

Sports fields remain open for individual and small group exercise of no more than 10 people, however, in line with state government rules, organised sport is still not permitted.

The reopening of skateparks will be reviewed when stage two of rules relaxation is implemented by the state government. Council said it would not be able to control a 10 person limit at skateparks.

Some public toilets will remained closed to allow for twice daily cleaning of the ones that are open.

Council says the Office of Sport is prioritising finalising guidelines for sporting organisations to recommence activity in a safe manner in adherence with revised public health orders.

Provided by Hilltops Council

Will council be cleaning/sanitising the play equipment?

No. Playgrounds are used by a variety of people and it is simply not possible for council to clean the equipment after each use, so it is vitally important to exercise good hygiene before, during and after using equipment.

Do I need to take hand sanitiser and wipes to the playground?

Yes. This is a great idea as the surfaces may have been touched by more than one person and maintaining good hygiene is essential to stopping the spread.

Should I wipe down fitness equipment and playground equipment before use?

Yes. You have a personal and community responsibility to practice good personal hygiene when using public equipment that is accessible to everyone. Wiping down equipment before and after use and using hand sanitiser before and after touching surfaces will be appreciated by your community around you.

Are skateparks open?

No. At this time, it is not possible to control the 10-person limit in each area. This will be reviewed as the next stage of relaxation of restrictions is implemented.

Are sporting fields open?

Yes. Sporting fields remain open for individual and small group exercise with participation of no more than ten people. In line with state government regulations, organised sport and personal or organised training (such as boot camp type training) is not permitted.

Are some public toilets still closed?

Yes. At this stage some of the public amenities across the region will remain closed to continue to allow for twice daily cleaning and sanitisation of the amenities that are open. These closures are in place to protect our community.

The following public amenities will remain open:

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