COVID-19 guidance on park use

Latest Government guidelines

• You can now meet people outdoors, in groups of up to 30 people.
• You should continue to socially distance from those outside of your household or support bubble where possible (by staying 2m apart or at least 1m with mitigations such as wearing a face covering).
• People are still advised to minimise travel where possible in order to access parks and green spaces.
• Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts reopened on 29 March 2021.
• You can now take part in formally organised outdoor sports or licensed physical activity with any number of people, where this is organised by a business, charity or public body. The organiser must take the required precautions, including the completion of a risk assessment.

If you are planning to visit one of Kingston’s open spaces it is vital that you take the following steps:

• Do not visit a park if you have any symptoms - high temperature, new continuous cough, loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. See NHS guidelines if this applies to you.
• If you have a garden, please make use of the space for exercise and fresh air.
• If the park is crowded do not enter if you cannot safely observe social distancing.
• Be aware of people entering/exiting the park at the same time as you. Be patient and allow space.
• Observe social distancing - stay at least 2 metres apart from other people where possible.
• Keep to the left of footpaths where possible to help the flow of traffic.
• Respect other park users and make use of all areas of the park that remain open so everyone can enjoy the space and stay safe.
• Follow guidance about facilities which are closed for safety reasons.
• Our toilets reopened on Monday 6 July please visit our toilet facilities page for information or visit www.toiletmap.org.uk to find the nearest public toilet.
• Follow hygiene advice when you are outside. Avoid touching surfaces (such as gates, benches or hand-rails) and your mouth and face. Please follow Public Health England advice on hygiene and wash your hands as soon as you get home.
• Do not have barbecues.
• Please keep your dogs under strict control, and on a lead if necessary, to ensure you can safely keep 2 metres away from others. 
• Help keep the parks clean by taking your litter home with you.

Playgrounds

• Playgrounds remain open.
• Do not visit a playground if you or your family display any symptoms.
• There are currently no special cleaning measures in place in playgrounds - they are not disinfected or sanitised.
• Please make sure you all wash your hands before you leave home to visit the playground, and when you return from your visit.
• Please bring hand sanitiser with you and make sure you and your family use it before and after using the equipment - this will help to keep you and others safe.
• To help maintain safe social distancing if practical only one adult per group should supervise children.
• If the playground is busy when you arrive please consider waiting before entering, or return at another time - please consider discussing this possibility with your child before arriving.
• Avoid congregating with other people when entering or leaving the playground, and when supervising children.
• Some items of equipment can only be used by one child at a time while social distancing - please wait at a safe distance if equipment is in use or return later to use it.
• Encourage your children to avoid touching their faces whilst they are playing.