Outdoor playgrounds, gym equipment and barbeque facilities will reopen across the Armidale region this Friday, following an announcement from the NSW Government to ease COVID-19 restrictions.
Playgrounds and outdoor facilities are important for the health and wellbeing of children and their families and their reopening to the public will be embraced by community members, Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said.
"Closing playgrounds was a necessary step to encourage social distancing and avoid the spread of COVID-19. With the positive results around Australia, we are now in a good position to implement the first stage of easing COVID-19 measures," Councillor Murray said.
"The community has responded well to restrictions and the proof is in the pudding, with the minimal number of cases we've had in our Local Government Area.
"While we're not out of the woods yet, these are significant small steps to connect with friends and family in the community."
Council has made the most of playgrounds being closed, installing shade structures at playgrounds at Armidale Arboretum and Curtis Park to further protect the health of users.
Council is urging community members to remain cautious when using the facilities and to continue adhering to social distancing and restrictions of outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people.
