TRC closes playgrounds, outdoor gyms, barbecues and skate parks

Toowoomba Regional Council is closing all public park playgrounds, outdoor gyms, public barbecue facilities and skate parks effective immediately (March 31) in line with the latest federal government health advice.

Toowoomba Region Mayor-elect Paul Antonio said the closures offered extra public health and safety precautions to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Cr Antonio said Council’s primary concern was to safeguard the community.

“It is impossible and impractical to maintain exacting cleaning requirements after every single use of playgrounds, outdoor gyms and public barbecues across hundreds of public parks,” Cr Antonio said.

“The safest and most sensible option is to prohibit public use of any Council playground equipment, outdoor gyms and barbecues until further notice.

“Similarly, Council’s skate parks are popular meeting places that must be closed to avoid larger social gatherings.

“This is most uncommon, but we must follow all health guidelines to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus and limit visits to public parks in line with the federal government’s directives covering family groups and more specifically gatherings that are now restricted to two people.”

In addition, Cr Antonio said Council had suspended all volunteer activities by agreement at the Crows Nest Community Nursery. Plant sales at the facility also will stop until further notice.