Update on childrens’ playgrounds in Eastbourne

Eastbourne council is reminding families that play areas will stay shut until the government announces a re-opening date, which has not yet been set.

The authority’s Jonathan Dow said, “The easing of lockdown over the last two weeks has allowed for some park facilities such as tennis courts to open again but this is not the case for children’s play areas, and for good reasons.

“The decision on when to re-open them lies with government and until that time, playgrounds are still no-go areas.”

The council says that other reasons for the closures are play areas are small enclosed areas where it is impossible to maintain social distancing; children tend to touch all parts of play equipment as they climb and slide – making the spread of the virus a real threat; it is not possible to clean the play equipment after each use and it is not possible to limit the number of children and adults entering play areas as they are not staffed.

Councillor Dow said, “While play areas remain locked, I’m pleased to see families enjoying themselves in Eastbourne’s many beautiful green spaces and keeping to social distancing rules.”

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