City of Newcastle is encouraging residents to continue social distancing as parks, playgrounds, skateparks and beaches re-open in line with a relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
Under a new Public Health Order from Friday, outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed across the state and leaving the home for leisure will be permitted.
"I'd like to thank and commend the Newcastle community for their co-operation and understanding in observing social distancing rules and stay-home orders over the past couple of months," lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"From [Friday] we have removed restrictions on outdoor spaces and re-opened playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor equipment including basketball and netball courts.
"We ask the community to continue to respect the NSW Government health restrictions by maintaining social distancing and continuing to practise good hygiene to ensure everyone can enjoy our public spaces.
"It is everyone's responsibility to adhere to the restrictions, so when there's 10 people at a skatepark or basketball court, users are encouraged to respect everyone's right to access the facility."
Blackbutt Reserve's open space areas will re-open to the public ahead of the Carnley and Richley Reserve playgrounds on Saturday following scheduled maintenance Friday.
Animal encounters, wildlife exhibits and shows remain suspended under the current social distancing and public gathering restrictions.
The red-and-yellow flags are back up at Newcastle Ocean Baths, Merewether Ocean Baths; Nobbys, Bar and Merewether beaches in line with winter-season patrols, with lifeguards continuing to encourage social distancing while monitoring swimmers.
While continued restrictions on gatherings mean the city's cultural facilities, such as libraries, Newcastle Museum, Civic Theatre and the Art Gallery, remain closed, a range of experiences will be available online, from Art Gallery exhibitions to animal feeding at Blackbutt.
Civic Digest Café will resume table service for up to 10 patrons, in line with the easing of restrictions on hospitality businesses, and continue its takeaway service.
While Newcastle council's face-to-face customer service desk remains closed, customers can instead access support between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 4974 2000, on webchat or via council's online Customer Request Form.
Meanwhile, Port Stephens Council has reopened many outdoor recreational facilities from Friday.
General manager Wayne Wallis said the changes would allow the community to enjoy parks and amenities once more but social distancing restrictions still applied
"It's so important to be able to get outside and play, exercise or just enjoy the outdoors for both physical and mental health," he said.
"That's why from Friday, we'll be reopening parks, playgrounds, skate parks, fenced dog parks and outdoor exercise equipment to our community.
"However, this is not the time to be complacent.
"As NSW begins to take more steps to reopen, it's more important than ever to abide by the public health orders, maintain physical distancing, wash your hands regularly and stay at home if you have any symptoms at all."
Port Stephens mayor Ryan Palmer said it was a positive first step for the Port Stephens community.
"The measures put in place in late March to prevent public gatherings and encourage travellers to stay at home were critical to helping stop the spread of COVID-19 in Port Stephens," he said.
"Thanks to the hard work of our healthcare workers and to every single person who stayed home and did their part, we're now in a position to take the first steps to easing restrictions and restarting Port Stephens."
