Wollongong City Council’s playgrounds and skateparks have reopened today, Friday 15 May, flags will go up at North Wollongong Beach on Saturday 16 May, and three of our pools will welcome swimmers back next week under changes permitted through an updated NSW Public Health Order.
Our staff have begun to remove tape from playgrounds and will update signage in public spaces after Council today received formal advice from the NSW State Government which made clear the legal permissions allowed under changes to the NSW Public Health Order.
While children and families can return to Council’s playgrounds and skateparks, everyone is being asked to stick to public health guidelines, and physical distancing advice, while they’re using the slides, swings and nature play areas.
“The steps to reduce the severity of the Public Health Order will, I know, be welcomed by people who want more opportunities to get out and about, but I ask everyone to do so with caution,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
“Coronavirus continues to be a real risk and a threat to our community, and we can’t be complacent. These changes will allow people to move more freely but they should do so while continuing to follow health and hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing.”
Lifeguards will return to North Wollongong Beach at 9am on Saturday 16 May, and will resume standard winter supervision hours of 9am-4pm on seven days.
Preparation is also underway to reopen the Continental Pool, and Corrimal and Dapto heated pools next week. From early next week a booking system will be in place for swimmers who will be able to reserve a 30-minute swimming slot at one of the facilities. In line with the NSW Public Health Order, the change rooms will remain closed, the toilets will be open and only one person per swim lane is permitted. In addition to the 30-minute swim booking, users will be encouraged to arrive 5 minutes before their allocated timeslot, and will have 15 minutes after their time in the pool on the pool deck for drying and dressing. As we work through the new process we will continue to monitor and review the pool operations to ensure they’re meeting the updated health regulations.
“The changes to our playgrounds and skateparks, the flags going up at North Wollongong Beach and the reopening of selected pools are steps many in our community will welcome,” Cr Bradbery AM said.
“However, the NSW State Government have clear guidelines in place to support the updated Public Health Order and they stipulate we must continue to follow physical distancing guidelines, we must continue best hygiene practices and to continue effectively washing our hands, containing sneezes and using tissues, and to stay home if you are sick. We are not out of the woods with Coronavirus and it is important we continue to do the best by everyone in our community – especially our vulnerable members.”
Council manages more than 140 playgrounds and while they are reopened for use, there will be no change to the playgrounds’ cleaning regimes.
“The NSW Premier has made it clear we need to continue to work together to meet the challenge Coronavirus poses,” Cr Bradbery said.
“And while we’re opening the playgrounds themselves making alterations to the playgrounds’ cleaning regimes there are no sterile public spaces or services. Don’t assume it’s any different from any hard surface in a public space or facility. We need everyone to work together and do the right thing by following the updated health and hygiene advice
“I know some people will be champing at the bit to let their kids loose in the playground, while others will be more reluctant. To that I say to parents and carers it’s your call but there is no opting out of the hygiene and physical distancing requirements. Do the right thing for you and the ones you love.”
