Pool, Playgrounds and Skate Parks Reopened

Skate parks and playgrounds are among the public facilities that are to be progressively reopened from today (Friday, May 15) following the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions by the NSW Government.

Public barbecues and outdoor gym equipment will also be made available again from today after having been closed since late March. Before playgrounds, skate parks, gym equipment and barbecues are fully reopened, Council crews will be carrying out condition checks so people are being asked to wait until the signage has been removed before using the facilities. Amenities blocks will also be reopened.

NSW Government advice is to wash your hands before and after you use this equipment and to assume the person who has used the equipment before you has the virus. Do not go out if you’re sick and remember to maintain physical distancing. The public gathering rule of no more than 10 people still applies.

Coffs Harbour War Memorial Swimming Pool will reopen from Monday, May 18 2020, from 11am to 3pm daily. Under the NSW Government restrictions outdoor pools can operate, but can have no more than 10 people at a time and no more than one person per lane. Change areas will also be closed.

The latest Public Health Orders from the NSW Government state that from Friday, May 15, it is easing the following restrictions:

public gatherings of up to 10 people food and drink premises can open, but only to seat a maximum of 10 customers at any one time – this includes cafes and restaurants, a restaurant within a registered club or pub, or a cellar door that serves food up to 5 visitors may visit another household at any one time weddings can have up to 10 guests plus the people conducting or assisting in the conduct of the service, a photographer, a videographer, and the couple indoor funerals and memorial services can have up to 20 mourners and outdoor funerals up to 30 mourners religious gatherings and places of worship can have up to 10 worshippers outdoor playground and exercise equipment can be used with caution outdoor pools can open with restrictions.

With outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people now allowed, and the surf season ended, Council’s Lifeguards will stop carrying out surveillance-only patrols and revert to full patrols at Park Beach alone from Monday, May 18. Park Beach is the only beach in the local government area that is patrolled all year round. Lifeguards will be present from 9am – 4pm, seven days a week. Safe swimming areas will be marked out with flags. People wishing to swim in the ocean are encouraged to go to Park Beach.

Everyone in the community is still being encouraged to remain vigilant and follow the current social distancing and handwashing/sanitising guidelines.

This is a constantly evolving situation and Council is closely following advice from the Australian and NSW Governments. The health and safety of our staff and community remains our ongoing priority.

For information on current changes to our programs and services, please go to Council’s website www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus For more information on the current restrictions in NSW, check out the NSW Government’s COVID-19 information website.

The brand new amenities at Toormina Oval (pictured above) are also opening today.