We are pleased to be able to reopen these facilities for the community to enjoy following their temporary closure as part of Council’s role in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
In order to ensure the health and safety of the community, it is important that the following rules are observed at all times:
- Maintain social distancing (1.5 metres apart)
- Ensure group sizes are less than 10 people in one area (park or playground) at any one time
- Exercise good personal hygiene – cover equipment where possible and wipe down after use
Signage will be in place at parks and playgrounds outlining these requirements.
“The risk of COVID-19 transmission from outdoor parks, playgrounds and equipment is low and can be managed by following important social distancing and hygiene precautions. I urge everyone to be respectful of the facilities in order to keep them open.” Said Hilltops Council General Manager Anthony O’Reilly.
Unfortunately, this means that at this time organised sport is not permitted. The Office of Sport has been working closely with government agencies to provide guidelines and principles for sporting organisations to recommence activity in a safe manner, in adherence with the revised Public Health Orders. Now that the nature of these eased restrictions commencing on Friday 15 May 2020 are known, the Office of Sport is finalising this work as a matter of priority.
Frequently asked questions
Will Council be cleaning/sanitising the play equipment?
No. Playgrounds are used by a variety of people and it is simply not possible for Council to clean the equipment after each use, so it is vitally important to exercise good hygiene before, during and after using equipment.
Do I need to take hand sanitiser and wipes to the playground?
Yes. This is a great idea as the surfaces may have been touched by more than one person and maintaining good hygiene is essential to stopping the spread of the virus.
Should I wipe down fitness equipment and playground equipment before use?
Yes. You have a personal and community responsibility to practice good personal hygiene when using public equipment that is accessible to everyone. Wiping down equipment before and after use and using hand sanitiser before and after touching surfaces will be appreciated by your community around you.
Are Skate Parks open?
No. At this time, it is not possible to control the 10-person limit in each area. This will be reviewed as the next stage of relaxation of restrictions is implemented.
Are sporting fields open?
Yes. Sporting fields remain open for individual and small group exercise with participation of no more than ten people. In line with State Government regulations, organised sport and personal or organised training (such as boot camp type training) is not permitted.
Are some public toilets still closed?
Yes. At this stage some of the public amenities across the region will remain closed to continue to allow for twice daily cleaning and sanitisation of the amenities that are open. These closures are in place to protect our community.
The following public amenities will remain open:
- Boorowa: The Old Court House
- Harden: Newson Park, Coddington Park
- Young: Anderson Park, Woolworths
- Jugiong: Jugiong Recreation Ground
- Wombat: Wombat Recreation Ground
- Galong: Apex Park
- Reids Flat public toilet
- Rye Park public toilet
- Rugby public toilet
For your own protection and the safety of the community please ensure that handwashing and proper hygiene practices are carried out at all times. For further details and updated information on COVID-19 and restrictions, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au