Using Play Areas in Hailsham Safely During the Pandemic

While play areas in Hailsham remain open to children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, users of the sites are encouraged by the Town Council to continue to follow all social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

The play areas maintained by Hailsham Town Council – those located at Western Road, Battle Road, Stroma Gardens, Quinnell Drive and on the Maurice Thornton playing field – are accessible to the public, with signs displayed at entry points reminding users of social distancing requirements and providing guidance for safe use of play equipment.

Guidance for families using the Town Council’s play areas safely:

• Parents must read the guidance on display at each site and ensure their families follow it carefully for the safety of their children and others in the community.
• This equipment is checked regularly for damage and wear and tear and is regularly sanitised/disinfected.
• Refrain from using play equipment if you or any member of your household has COVID-19 symptoms, or are self-isolating.
• You are advised that children should not use play equipment if they are classed as being clinically vulnerable.
• Ensure that you have hand sanitiser with you before entering any play area.
• Urge everyone in your family to wash their hands with hand sanitiser on a regular basis and as a minimum before and after using the playground.
• Be sure to encourage children to avoid touching their faces whilst on-site.
• Children and parents must adhere to the latest social distancing regulations and maintain the required distance from others unless they are from the same household.
• If your family is wearing disposable PPE – including face coverings and gloves – please do not litter and ensure that you take them home with you.
• Wash your hands when you get home.
• Do not enter any play area if it is too busy and return at a later time if this is the case.
• Play areas contain shared equipment, which you use at your own risk.

“Whilst our play areas remain open, we encourage users of the sites to observe and adhere to the guidance displayed on the signs at each site,” said Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook. “This is vital in order to help combat the spread of the coronavirus, and it’s imperative that we take the health of the local community into consideration during the pandemic.”

Councillor Richard Grocock, chairman of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, said: “We know that social distancing can be somewhat difficult at times, especially in a playground setting. So, we ask that parents, carers and guardians are aware of the risk of COVID-19 transmission and take due care and responsibility for encouraging hand washing before and after use if the play areas – and social distancing guidance as much as possible.”

“Furthermore, please consider if you can keep children in your care safe when using our play areas, and if you can’t, please refrain from using them, or return at a less busy time if the play areas are busy.”

“We hope you enjoy using our play areas and thank you for helping to keep everyone safe by always following these simple instructions.”