Play areas reopen in parks

FOUR play areas and outdoor gyms at Macclesfield parks reopened this week as part of lockdown easing.

They are at Bollington Recreation Ground, South Park, Victoria Park and West Park and are among 15 out of 150 owned by Cheshire East Council to have visitors allowed back.

Users must maintain social distancing, not bring food onto the sites and wash or clean their hands with sanitiser after using the equipment.

The gyms and play areas reopened on Monday, July 6, and the council says it will get others open in a phased way as soon as possible.

The aim is to get the larger ones open first.

Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member with responsibility for green space, said: “I know that many children across the borough have greatly missed using our play areas, especially in the nice weather that we’ve had recently. These thoughts are echoed by the many residents who have been keen to further their fitness routine in our outdoor gym areas.

“That we are able to start re-opening our facilities was very welcomed but I urge residents to be patient as we work hard to risk assess all the areas and to take the appropriate action. It is not simply a case of reopening gates and taking down closed signs.

”Parents should take responsibility for their children and ensure they play apart from others, are respectful of queues for play equipment and play considerately, by not hogging equipment that others are waiting for.”