Most parks and playgrounds across Wales have been closed since the end of March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The majority of councils made the decision to halt access to some of their children’s playgrounds and parks following Welsh Government advice to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Some popular country parks have been closed for more than two months now.
However, following the news that lockdown restrictions are being eased in Wales from Monday, June 1, Neath Port Talbot council is planning on reopening all of its parks, including tourist attractions like Margam Country Park and Gnoll Country Park.
On Friday it was announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford that people from two different households are able to meet.
However, you will not be allowed to travel more than five miles from your home.
People must still follow social distancing and strict hand hygiene practices to control the spread of the virus.
Here’s a round-up of all of the open spaces that are reopening in Neath Port Talbot:
All parks closed in Neath Port Talbot on March 22 but they will be reopening on Thursday, June 4.
The Council is responding to the wishes of residents in re-opening all parks, and a change in the Welsh Government’s lockdown rules, however, it will not be “business as usual” as a series of measures will be in place to help maintain the safety and welfare of both staff and park visitors.
The 18 council-owned parks reopening are:
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Craig Gwladys Country Park, Cilfrew
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Victoria Gardens, Neath (bandstand will be cordoned off)
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Jersey Park, Briton Ferry
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Vivian Park, Sandfields
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Talbot Park, Port Talbot (bandstand cordoned off)
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Baglan Park, Baglan
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Tollgate Park, Margam
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Parc Siencyn Powell, Cwmavon
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King George V Park, Pontardawe
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Parc Y Werin, Gwaun Cae Gurwen
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Parc Y Darren, Ystalyfera
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Mount Pleasant, Neath
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Dyfed Road, Neath
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Bryn Park, Bryn
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Melyn Park, Melyn
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Twll yn y Wal, Taibach
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Margam Country Park
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Gnoll Country Park
Based on current Welsh Government guidance, the children’s play areas within the parks will have to remain closed.
Facilities such as toilets and cafes within the parks will not be re-opened.
Visitors to the re-opened parks will be requested to stick closely to social distancing measures. Signs reminding park users of safety precautions will be placed on all access gates and visitors will be reminded of the need for hand washing/sanitising before and after visiting and to refrain from touching surfaces likely to have been touched by others.
Current guidance for parks is that benches should be removed but this would be impractical as benches are bedded in concrete so users will be asked not to use benches.
Residents are asked to follow Welsh Government guidance which emphasises the importance of exercising locally to where people live, generally within a five-mile radius and not to travel to parks outside of the five-mile guidance at this time.
