Horsham District Council has worked hard to put in place the Government recommended safety measures needed to re-open its play areas across the Horsham District safely on Saturday 4 July, and is delighted to confirm that all of its 52 play areas will be open to the public.

All of the council owned playgrounds have been safety inspected ahead of the re-opening, but we cannot guarantee that their hard surfaces will be coronavirus -free.

The Council advises that if you are using our play areas, please take all reasonable precautions to ensure your and your family’s safety, following the guidelines below:

• Social distancing remains in place – please be respectful of other people

•  If you or any of your party are showing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), do not enter the play area. Return home and seek medical assistance

•  Only 1 adult should accompany their children into the playground

•  Equipment which can accommodate multiple children e.g. climbing frames or a basket swing should be used by one family unit at a time (For Horsham Park and Dinosaur Island, we state a maximum of 4 children per piece of play equipment).

•  If a piece of equipment or the playground is busy, please come back later.

•  Do not use any equipment marked as out of use – such as talk tubes. These have been marked out of use as there may be an increased risk to using them.

•  Adults are reminded to ensure good hygiene by providing regular hand sanitation, especially on leaving the playground.

• Please don’t eat or drink in the playgrounds

• Please place your litter in a bin, or take it home with you.

Commenting on the re-openings, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr Jonathan Chowen said:

“It is really pleasing that at long last our outdoor play areas can re-open to the public.

“However, it goes without saying that people’s personal safety is of paramount importance at this challenging time as we come out of the coronavirus lockdown.

“We would ask that you enjoy our play areas but enjoy them safely for yourselves and others, and be respectful to both property and the environment.”

The outdoor gym area at Horsham Park will also re-open on 4 July. Users should follow the on-site signage to ensure they are using the machines and fitness equipment correctly and if the equipment is busy and does not allow for adequate social distancing, return later to use it.

For the latest updates about our parks and venues, visit the Council’s Coronavirus: Parks, leisure and venues webpage.