Oxford’s play areas re-opening from 4 July

Oxford looks after 80 play areas so it will take a little time before all are fully opened. Play areas in the larger parks will all be reopened during Saturday morning and smaller play areas across the city will follow over the course of the week.  

The work involves checking that the equipment is in good order and putting up signs to make sure everyone takes responsibility to use the equipment safely.

The Council is unable to monitor or clean all play areas on a frequent basis and is therefore asking parents to take responsibility.

This means:

• don’t use play equipment if you or if anyone in your household or support bubble has coronavirus or is showing symptoms
• those with health vulnerabilities should avoid using these confined, busy spaces at this time
• children’s hands should be washed/sanitised before and after using the equipment and you may wish to wipe it down before and after use
• supervise children closely at all times to maintain social distancing - we recommend at least two metres
• parents and carers must also maintain social distancing in these confined spaces
• the play areas will be in high demand so please be patient - don’t enter any play enclosures that are so busy that social distancing will not be possible.

“Many Oxford families will have missed out on being able to use the play equipment on their trips to the park. Our city has some wonderful play areas and I’m pleased that Government regulations now allow us to reopen them. Parents will need to help their children follow the guidance on hand washing and maintaining a safe social distance as the threat from coronavirus has not gone away.”

Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Parks 

Water parks are excluded from the list of facilities able to reopen on 4 July so the splash features at Cutteslowe and Hinksey parks must remain closed for the time being.