Play Areas In Arun To Reopen Under New Government Guidance

Children in Arun will have something to celebrate - and to do - as play areas are set to reopen across the district.

In line with the latest guidance from the Government, some of the 80 play areas operated by Arun District Council are set to reopen on July 4.

When lockdown began, the areas were closed, with grass deliberately left uncut to discourage use, and sites were locked via a combination of cable ties and padlocks, as well as signage.

The District Council plans to start a programme of phased reopening from first thing on Saturday 4 July.

The first sites to open will be 'destination' areas such as Lions Den and Mewsbrook Park in Littlehampton, Mill Road in Arundel, Hotham Park and Play on the Beach in Bognor Regis, and West Park in Aldwick.

A phased reopening will follow, with further sites starting open from July 6.

In a statement, Arun District Council said:

"This is a big job and we thank you in advance for your patience while we do this and ask you to respect the closures until sites are formally reopened.

"Our contractors, Tivoli will be cutting the grass in play area in preparation, however this doesn't mean sites will be open once cut. They will remain closed as stated above."

Cllr Mrs Samantha Staniforth, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services said:

"I would like a to say a big thank you to all the children in our district who have been abiding by the rules put in place to keep everyone safe and not using our playgrounds for the past few months.  II know this has been hard and I am sure you are very excited to hear they will be re-opening soon.

"My thanks also go to the parents and families who have had to manage energy levels of children over the past 3 months - as a mum of 4, I know how hard that has been!  

"As we begin reopening our play areas we will carry out formal safety inspections so that we can confidently remove locks/cable ties and signage at the appropriate time.  Please bear with us, we know you are keen to go and play and we will be working through the various sites as quickly as we are able.

"We will be adding new signage to re-opened sites, and we would ask all parents/carers to please read and take note of these signs...I hope you all have a great time playing."

The Council urges those planning to use the play areas to take sensible precautions including using hand sanitiser before and after, and to refrain from using the sites should symptoms of coronavirus be being displayed. 

It also urges people to:

• Limit time using the facility to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to use it safely.
• Monitor and take responsibility for children at all times
• Do not overcrowd play equipment
• Consider taking wipes to clean/sanitise equipment and touch points
• Take litter home
• Avoid eating and drinking in play areas