Jenrick welcomes park reopening response

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has praised councils for ensuring that the vast majority of parks are open, so more people can get outside for exercise safely.

In the last week, more than 340 parks and green spaces have reopened across the country after Jenrick called for more parks to be reopened to the public for the health of the nation while ensuring people continue to observe social distancing guidelines. He also asked councils to keep open or reopen cemeteries and graveyards, for people to be able to seek solace at the gravesides of those they love.

A survey by the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces has shown that of 90 per cent of Friends of Parks groups, which help maintain parks across the UK, have reported that all parks in their area remain open, while in areas with some closures they report that 90 per. Cent of local parks are open.  

Jenrick said: “While the virus does not discriminate, we know that the lockdown is much harder for people who don’t have a lot of living space, a garden, or anywhere for their children to run around. People need parks. I’m grateful for the work of councils who have ensured, ahead of this weekend, that most parks across England are now open and cemeteries and graveyards in their area are also open for visitors. We’ll continue to work closely with them to try to get the remaining parks open soon, wherever possible. Importantly, I want to stress that we must all continue to play our part in the national fight against coronavirus by continuing to observe social distancing when we exercise in parks.”

Dave Morris, chair of the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces, said: “We welcome the government’s public recognition of the continuing vital importance of parks for the health and wellbeing of all our communities. As the voice of the movement of over 7,000 local Friends of Parks groups we have been aware of widespread calls throughout the entire country for weeks for clarity on this matter.”

James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, added: “Councils know that visiting a park can have a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing during this difficult time. They have worked hard to try and keep services running during this crisis, including keeping access to green spaces and cemeteries open for their residents. Councils need residents to work with them when using parks and cemeteries. It is important that the public continue to abide by the government’s social distancing rules to ensure people are not put at risk unnecessarily.”