Play areas and outdoor gyms in Bolton will start reopening from Saturday (July 4).
The council is doing everything it can to reopen facilities as soon as possible but they will not all be ready this weekend.
In accordance with government guidance, all sites need to be assessed which means they cannot all open immediately.
We know how important it is to the public to go outside, and enjoy our parks and play area.
Executive Cabinet for Environmental Services, Cllr Adele Warren, said: “Our teams are working as hard as they can to reopen play areas and outdoor gyms – we know how important it is to the public to go outside, and enjoy our parks and play area.
“But there is a lot of work that still needs to be done before we reopen these facilities, to make sure equipment is safe and sites meet all the government requirements.
“We are hoping to have a few of the outdoor gyms and most well used play areas back open on Saturday. There will then be a phased reopening of other play areas to ensure it is safe for everyone.”
Once play areas and outdoor gyms reopen, the council will continue to carry out regular safety inspections.
Cllr Warren is also urging the public to take safety measures to protect themselves.
“We would advise people to use their common sense. Take precautions when you’re using these areas, bring hand sanitisers with you, and try and keep at a safe distance from others,” she said.
Cllr Warren added: “For your own safety, we would urge people to not use play areas and outdoor gym equipment unless we have reopened them. As and when we reopen facilities, we will be putting signage in place so take note of this.”
In some play areas, equipment may need to be removed to enable social distancing.
The public are also advised toilets in parks will remain closed.