Re-opening of facilities in our parks and green, open spaces

All council-run ball courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), outdoor gyms and skate parks will begin to re-open from today (Monday 29 March) as the Government’s first of four steps out of the national lockdown restrictions enters its second phase.

It may take a few days to implement these changes, so please bear with us – and don’t use any such equipment or facilities still closed and cordoned off – in the meantime.

Haringey residents and visitors to the borough and our parks will be able to take part in formally organised, outdoor sports from today (29 March) too, as long as you have permission from the Council to do so.

With the Government’s ‘Stay At Home’ guidance ending today (Monday 29 March), residents and visitors to our parks are reminded that – though changes shall be applicable in terms of social contact outdoors – many restrictions will remain in place.

Gatherings of up to six people (the ‘Rule of Six’) or two households outdoors will be allowed so that families and friends can meet outside more easily.

Remember ‘Hands, Face, Space’ though – Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day for 20 seconds at a time; wear a face covering/mask whenever and wherever applicable and appropriate (especially when it’s not possible to maintain a 2m/6ft social distance), and maintain a safe distance from people not from your own household.

We know how important our parks and green, open spaces are for our residents’ mental health and wellbeing, and would like to thank everyone who has been using them responsibly.

Step 2 of the Government’s roadmap out of the national lockdown restrictions (external link) won’t come into effect before Monday 12 April, with the four key tests still needing to be met in order to do so.

They are as follows:

• The vaccine deployment programme continues successfully
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently effective in reducing hospitalisations an deaths in those vaccinated
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospitalisations which would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS
• The Government’s assessment of the risks is not fundamentally changed by new Variants of Concern

For further information regarding the roadmap out of lockdown, visit the Government website (external link).