Councils want to keep parks open, but people need to follow social distancing, says Local Government Association

April 6, 2020

The government has called on councils not to close parks unless it is impossible to maintain social distancing in them.

Responding to the guidance, Cllr Gerald Vernon Jackson, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board has urged the public to follow the social distancing advice so that councils are not forced to close parks.

Cllr Vernon-Jackson said that parks are important for well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 crisis and that for this reason, councils want to keep parks open.

He said: “This is a national emergency and the minority of people who do not adhere to the guidance need to change their behaviour to keep us all safe. Councils are constantly monitoring the situation regarding our parks.

“Councils know that parks are a lifeline for residents needing to get some exercise or fresh air and are great for physical and mental wellbeing.

“This is why councils want to keep parks open, but people need to follow the social distancing advice, otherwise councils will be reluctantly forced to close them as a last resort to help prevent the coronavirus spreading.”

This comes after Lambeth Council, following police advice, chose to close Brockwell Park on Saturday (4 April 2020) after more than 3,000 people were reported to be in the park.

According to a tweet from the council, many of the park visitors were “sunbathing or in large groups”.

It added: “Unfortunately, the actions of a minority now means that, following police advice, Brockwell Park will be closed tomorrow. #StayHome.”

The council has since reopened the park but have asked visitors to “help us to keep your park open” by sticking to the following guidelines: