Parks must stay open for families without gardens, the government announced.
Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Saturday's daily briefing to the public he recognised the importance of parks and said "people need parks".
Mr Jenrick said he had "made it clear" to councils that all parks must remain open after some closed their gates in recent weeks.
But he warned people must abide by social-distancing rules, and not congregate in the green spaces.
He said lockdown measures were harder for those without gardens or open spaces and that parks needed to be accessible for "the health of the nation".
Playgrounds in Liverpool closed in March as the council enforced the government's near total lockdown of the UK to limit the spread of coronavirus.
But parks have remained open despite concerns about crowds.
In London, by contrast, Hammersmith and Fulham council have closed parks while Lambeth council temporarily shut Brockwell Park.
Mr Jenrick's announcement came as the government announced it was going to pledge £1.6bn of new funding to support councils.
This funding takes the total amount given to councils to over £3.2bn
He said: "We are backing councils."
Touching on funerals, Mr Jenrick also said it was important people were able to attend funerals - but in small numbers.
He mentioned the case of Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, a 13-year-old boy, from Brixton, in south London, who died with coronavirus symptoms.
He said the tragedy was compounded after the family could not attend his funeral.
He said: "That is not right and it shouldn't have happened."
"For clarity, funerals can go ahead with close family present.
"Social distancing measures must be respected, but families must have the opportunity to say a respectful goodbye to those that they love."
