BRADFORD Council is preparing to re-open all the children’s play areas in our parks over the coming weeks.

Over 150 play areas will start to gradually open at the end of this month for use by children under 14 years old.

To keep people safe all the equipment and areas need to be fully inspected by experts and provided with clear distancing and user guidance signs before re-opening. It could take approximately four weeks before all the play areas are open.

Some equipment will be removed to allow social distancing to take place and an advisory limit of user numbers at any one time will be displayed on the signs for each play area. All children using these areas must be accompanied by an adult or carer to take responsibility for ensuring that social distancing and public health provisions that are currently in place are followed.

Refurbishment cash for Lister Park play area welcomed

Additional staff will be employed for a short period to help explain the safety measures and monitor the way that re-opened play areas are used.

A spokesman said: "The Council recognises the value of its play areas to children and their families to support and improve their physical and psychological well-being.

"Our parks have been vital in supporting people’s need to enjoy the outdoors during the lockdown and the re-opening of more facilities will enhance that role.

"We would like to remind parents and carers to ensure that children stay away from any play areas that have not been opened and to comply with social distancing in parks at all times.

"It is extremely important that we remember that we are still in a pandemic and we must do everything we can to stop the infection spreading."

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “I am delighted that play areas will begin to re-open but we all need to remember that coronavirus is still with us. Parents and carers will need to ensure they and their children abide by social distancing requirements and practice good hand hygiene.

"We feel the time is right to start to unlock the play areas for our children and will make sure that information signs are in place to help children enjoy themselves in a safe manner.”

The following play areas will be the first to open:

1. Riverside Gardens in Ilkley

2. Cliffe Castle, Keighley

3. Victoria Park, Keighley

4. St. Ives, Bingley

5. Myrtle Park, Bingley

6. Roberts Park, Saltaire

7. Lister Park, Manningham

8. Peel Park, Bradford

9. Bowling Park, Bradford

10. Wibsey Park, Bradford

11. Harold Park, Bradford

12. Russell Hall Park, Queensbury