Pedestrian access now open to local parks
April 20, 2020
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will open some of its parks from 9.00am on Tuesday 21st April. When open daily from 9.00am to 9.00pm the parks will operate a one-way system that everyone should adhere to.
Maintaining social distance at all times is required as this will help everyone to stay safe while exercising in an enclosed public space.
To maintain the principle of staying local we will not be opening the adjoining car parks, as anyone wishing to use a park, as the location for their daily exercise during the lockdown must get there on foot or by bicycle. This will also help ensure only local residents use these parks.
Residents with a blue badge can only get access to the Wallace Park adjoining car park between 12 noon and 2pm daily.
Pedestrians will be able to enter via certain gates. The parks reopening are Wallace Park, Castle Gardens, Barbour Playing Fields, Moira Demesne, Duncan’s Dam, Sir Milne Barbour Park, Bells Lane Park, Aghalee Playing Fields, Billy Neill MBE Country Park, Hydebank Playing Fields and Colby Park.
All play parks; outdoor gym equipment, multi-use games areas, pitches and public toilets will remain closed.
Alderman James Tinsley, Leisure & Community Development Chairman, speaking about this decision said: “While we have taken the decision to reopen some of our parks we must remind residents that it is their responsibility to keep themselves safe by adhering to the government social distancing guidance and clean up after their dogs.
“Council officers will be present to ensure there are no gatherings of family and friends at any stage in the open parks. Anyone breaching the public health guidelines will be asked to leave the park, and if required, our colleagues in the PSNI will be notified.
“So please if visiting one of our parks for your daily exercise during the coronavirus pandemic help us and yourself by staying two metres away from others; and do not remain in the park for a long period of time. The government guidance refers to one hour of exercise daily so please adhere to this for your walk, run or cycle. The parks are not a space for social gatherings and please only sit on the benches if you need a short rest during exercise.”
The council would like to remind residents that the Dog Control Orders will still be enforced. No dogs should be on the football pitches and other areas as identified by the signage in each park.