Swinging, seesawing staying off-limits

Playgrounds have been closed since the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown came in, but this was not...
Playgrounds have been closed since the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown came in, but this was not made clear at popular Dunedin playground Marlow Park yesterday. PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY
Playgrounds remain closed under Covid-19 Alert Level 3, but the Dunedin City Council considers signs unnecessary.

People visiting playgrounds should follow official advice, including about physical distancing, and must not use playground equipment, council community services general manager Simon Pickford said.

Playground equipment had been off-limits from August 18 under Level 4 and this was continuing today in Level 3, but the city’s parks and reserves would remain open.

‘‘Given the difficulties in physically closing the city’s playgrounds, the benefits of their continued use as green spaces for exercise, and the very clear messaging not to use playground equipment, both at a local and national level, signage is not deemed necessary,’’ Mr Pickford said.

One thing that is changing is the council’s approach to parking in the central city, as some restrictions on businesses ease.

‘‘While on-street and off-street parking will continue to be free of charge under Alert Level 3, we are asking the community to keep to time limits and follow parking rules to help customers access those businesses.’’

The council expected more motorists to enter the central business district for reasons that might include collecting takeaways,’’ Mr Pickford said.

‘‘We will take an educational approach initially, but we will be monitoring driver behaviour to see if enforcement is required.’’

Mr Pickford said the Moray Pl and Great King St car parking buildings would remain open and free of charge in Level 3.

Services such as mowing sports fields, vegetation control, kerbside collection of glass, street sweeping and resealing roads would resume.

Businesspeople returning to work were advised to run the taps for five minutes, or water would taste ‘‘strange’’.

grant.miller@odt.co.nz

 

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