SOLIHULL Council is closing ALL childrens’ playgrounds, exercise areas and car parks in the coronavirus lockdown – but parks will still remain open.
This includes 34 play areas owned and maintained by Solihull Council across the borough, and a further estimated 11 sites under other ownership, as well as Meriden Adventure Playground in Chelmsley Wood’s Meriden Park.
It follows the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday March 23 that all communal areas within parks, such as playgrounds, tennis courts and outdoor gyms must now close to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Solihull has 1,500 acres of parks and open spaces including Malvern and Brueton Park, Tudor Grange Park and Elmdon Nature Park.
A statement from the council said: “We recognise the important role that parks play in serving the community, and residents will still be able to access Solihull parks on foot for exercise at this time.
“The Government have stated that this closure will initially last for the three weeks from March 23, at which point the Government will look at all the guidance again.”
Boris Johnson ordered the emergency measures in a landmark speech calling for the temporary end of all gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with and one form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.
