Play areas close but parks to remain open in Mid Ulster following coronavirus concerns

Mid Ulster District Council is to close its fixed play areas, in line with advice received from Playboard, the lead organisation for play in Northern Ireland.
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The decision follows public health concerns around the level of social mixing at play areas, particularly after the closure of schools, together with the risk of contamination of fixed play equipment.

However, all parks and green spaces remain open and Chair of the Council, Councillor Martin Kearney, is encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors:

“While the risks associated with play areas are too great at this time, local people can – and should – take advantage of the wide open and green spaces which we have in our parks and forests, where social distance can be maintained, children can continue to enjoy informal play and everyone can benefit physically and mentally from exercise and fresh air”.