Covid regulations tightened at Berkshire beauty spot
Dinton Pastures takes action to avoid overcrowding
Last updated 29th Jan 2021
New measures are being put in place to help reduce visitor numbers at Dinton Pastures Country Park and ensure that social distancing rules can be followed.
Amongst these measures will be an online booking system for the play area between 10am and 4pm on weekends and during school holidays. From 30 January, visitors will need to book a one-hour time slot online, prior to their visit. Staff members will be onsite to monitor usage and clear the play area once the hour is up.
In addition, the overflow carpark was closed on 23 January and will remain closed until lockdown ends, at the earliest. A formal Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is being put in place and will be enforceable from this week to prevent visitors from parking in the surrounding areas. Traffic cones have been put in place in the meantime.
Other measures include increased and more prominent signage, as well as additional presence from the Council’s Covid Support Officers to observe visitor behaviour and help promote best practice.
The play area will have capacity for 150 people in each one-hour time slot, which is less than 50% of its usual capacity. Double bookings will not be permitted, and it is asked that people only book if they know they will show up, to save disappointing other families.
Alongside this, all children should be under the supervision of an adult at all times – this will not be the responsibility of staff members as they will be focusing on safety numbers and marshalling entry and exit points.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive at, or just after, the time of their booking slot to avoid over-crowding and prevent any queuing for the session. At the end of each session a whistle will be blown, and visitors will be encouraged to leave the site. There is a 15-minute period before the next slot begins.
How to book
To book a slot in the play area at Dinton Pastures, please visit its website: https://www.dinton-pastures.co.uk/plan-your-visit/play-park/