Playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor gyms and multi-use games areas in Richmond are set to reopen this weekend.

In accordance with government guidance over the coronavirus pandemic, the borough's 62 playgrounds and 11 outdoor gyms have been closed for the past 14 weeks.

Richmond Council contractors have been carrying out operational inspections of the equipment to ensure that they remain in safe, working order.

The facilities are now set to open on Saturday, July 4.

The council said: "When the spaces reopen, it will not be possible for the council to carry out regular cleansing of touch points such as gates and individual pieces of equipment. We do not have the resources to do this.

"Therefore, the use of play or outdoor equipment is done so entirely at the user's risk."

Skate parks and multi-use games areas such as the one at Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre are also set to reopen.

Super Saturday gets even better

Kings Field skate park in Hampton Wick will have an imposed limit of a maximum of 25 skaters at any one time, with a restriction to one-hour use to ensure safe social distancing is adhered to.

The chair of the council's Environment and Sustainability Committee, Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, said: "Outdoor activity is helpful for both physical fitness and mental wellbeing, and our local playgrounds have a special place in people's lives.

"I am pleased that we can now reopen these facilities in line with government guidance.

"We have carried out a risk assessment and will provide clear signage to guide individuals and families who want to use the equipment.

"But we must remember that Covid-19 is still a risk.

"Above all, please make sure that you keep your social distance and wash your hands – immediately – on your return home."

Safety guidance from the council

The council said those who use the equipment are reminded of the following guidance which will be on display at all locations.

-All equipment is checked regularly to ensure it is safe for use, but it is not sanitised or disinfected.

-Play area facilities are shared equipment, please use responsibly at your own risk.

-Do not enter the play areas or use play equipment if you, or any member of your household, has coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating.

-You are advised that children should not use this equipment if they are clinically vulnerable.

-Make sure you have hand sanitiser with you before entering our play areas and encourage everyone in your family to wash their hands regularly with hand sanitiser, especially before and after using any play equipment.

-Encourage children to avoid touching their faces.

-You MUST maintain social distancing from others unless they are from the same household - current advice is to maintain at least 1m and consider wearing a face mask.

-Some play equipment can only be used by one child at a time while social distancing. Please ensure your family waits at a safe distance if the play equipment is in use or return later.

-No food or drink is to be consumed within the play areas.

-Try to avoid busy times.

-If your family is wearing disposable PPE, please take it home with you or where provided use the bins – DO NOT LITTER.

-Wash your hands when you get home.