Play and sports areas closed due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
In line with the Government’s instruction to stop all unnecessary contact and travel, Kirklees Council has closed all play and sports areas as part of their efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)
This means that all of its equipped play spaces will be closed by locking the gates, putting up signs and where possible disabling the equipment, the council hopes this will discourage parents and children from using these spaces.
All tennis courts, Multi-Use Games Areas, skate parks, bowling greens, croquet lawns and pentaque terrains have also been closed.
Cllr Rob Walker Cabinet Member for Culture and Environment said:
“We totally support the government’s decision to close play and sports areas to protect local people. We are in the process of closing these areas, but it may take us some time, and we can’t lock them all, so we need people to co-operate. It might be tempting to use an empty play area as you are passing by – but please don’t. As the coronavirus can live on some surfaces for up to 72hours, touching and playing with the equipment could further contribute to the spread, putting your family at risk.
I fully recognise that we are asking a lot of people. Staying in the house, especially if you don’t have any outdoor space, will be difficult. And we know that in normal times these play areas support both physical and mental wellbeing, but we are not in normal times and we must reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
At this time our parks remain open to allow space for people to exercise alone, or with members of your household once a day. However, if people continue to gather in groups or visit crowded places more facilities will have to close in their entirety.”
Thank you for bringing this to our attention Terry, could you please report it to our parks team so they can investigate this. https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/countryside-parks-and-open-spaces/report-a-park.aspx
Just concerned about the tree swing which has appeared on the green opposite Rising Sun in Shelley. Looks dangerous appears to have been put up by local resident lots of children playing on it today it neither looked safe or a good idea with things as they are
Thanks for letting us know Jamie we will pass this to our parks team to look into. Thanks ^CP
We went past greenhead park yesterday evening around 1830 and the tennis courts and basketball court was packed even the the skate park was full. It’s time to shut the parks or if you insist them remaining open the police need to be patroling them if people can’t abide by the rules at the moment.
Hi, we understand your concerns. At this time our parks remain open to allow space for people to exercise alone, or with members of their household once a day. However, if people continue to gather in groups or visit crowded places more facilities will have to close in their entirety. Kind Regards ^CP
I went past dewsbury park today and it was very busy . people parking next to eachother and taking their kids into the park !!! why is this aloud… people are not listening.. cant we close the parks … they can play at home!!! I work for the NHS and people do not realise how serious this is ..people are not listening !!!!