Council begins to reopen some outdoor services in response to latest Government guidance

​Wakefield Council is reopening some outdoor services from tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May) in response to the latest Government guidance.

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From tomorrow, people will be able to access the car parks at all parks and country parks, along with Sandal Castle and the City of Wakefield Golf Course.

Under the latest Government advice issued at the weekend, people are now able to travel to outdoor spaces, including for exercise, sunbathing and picnicking.  

From tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May) the following areas will reopen with social distancing measures in place:

• Car parks at all Council parks and country parks 
  
• City of Wakefield Golf Course - with an online only booking system in place
  
• Sandal Castle and car park

Free parking will be available at parks and country parks until the end of May.

The Government continues to be very clear that social distancing guidelines must continue to observed at all times when people are outside their home and Wakefield Council is urging residents and visitors to follow this advice and ensure people stay two metres away from anyone outside their household.

Wakefield Council's Leader, Cllr Denise Jeffery, said: “We know how much residents value our parks and countryside and as we cautiously start to lift some restrictions it is incredibly important that we do this safely and continue to follow the Government’s guidance.

“This means it is crucial that everyone continues to follow the social distancing guidelines when visiting all our outdoor spaces. With the car parks opening up, the sites will get busier but every one of us must take responsibility to keep two metres apart, unless we are with people from our own household.

“I thank you all for the tremendous effort you have already shown to help this district and country tackle the coronavirus but we must maintain our commitment to sticking to the restrictions and keeping people safe.”

Pedestrian access to all parks and country parks in the district remains open as it has throughout the coronavirus crisis. People can continue to access parks and country parks on foot, bicycle and mobility scooters.

The following facilities will remain closed:

Play areas

Toilets

Cafés

Shops

Outdoor fitness equipment.

Pontefract Castle also remains temporarily closed.

The Government has reiterated that anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those 70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June.

Everyone is reminded that if they are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if they or anyone in their household are self-isolating, they should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives.

Residents can find up to date information on the Council's dedicated coronavirus information web page at bit.ly/CoronaWFD