New play boat in place at Salisbury's Churchill Gardens

The previous play boat in the corner of Churchill Gardens had been used for a number of years, themed by its location next to the River Avon and the Salisbury Sea Cadets building.

That's the reason behind choosing similar structure to replace it, albeit with some improved features.

The design was picked with help from local residents on the Salisbury City Council Facebook page.

It's now ready to use by families.

The play boat's aimed at children over the age of 3, including a climbing net, slide and pieces for 'imaginative play'.

The Chairman of the Council's Service Committee, Councillor Sven Hocking said:

"I am delighted the new adventure boat is in place for residents to enjoy and demonstrates the City Council's continuing commitment to investing in our children's play areas. Our play parks are still open at present but please could I request of parents that, given the ongoing Coronavirus situation, they sanitise their children's hands before using the equipment."

RULES ON USING PLAY PARKS DURING LOCKDOWN

Salisbury City Council is keeping their play areas open during the current restrictions, but are asking people to use the facilities nearest to their home.

The authority's parks team will be sanitising equipment at Churchill Gardens, along with Queen Elizabeth Gardens and Victoria Park, once a week on Monday mornings.

They've also put out a number of guidelines for families to follow:

• If you or a member of your household has any of the Covid symptoms (high temperature, new and persistent cough, loss of taste or smell), please do not enter the play area

• Always practice social distancing in line with Government guidance and ensure that your child also does so. If you cannot do this because of the numbers of people already within the play area and/or using individual pieces of play equipment, you should wait until enough space becomes available

• Please try to only have one parent, guardian or carer with each child to limit the possible spread of infection

• During busy periods please limit your use of the play area to 20 minutes

• Consider use of a face covering but please be aware that Government guidance is that they should not be used by children under the age of 3 or by those who may find it difficult to manage them. Disposable face coverings and gloves cannot be recycled, therefore any used protective wear and all litter should be disposed of properly by parents, guardians or carers, in litter bins or taking it home where a bin is not provided

• Please wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before and after visiting this area and bring hand sanitiser gel or wipes to clean children's hands

• Children, parents, guardians and carers are advised not to touch their faces, and only to cough or sneeze into a tissue or arm when a tissue is not available

• Do not put your hands into your mouth or put your mouth on any of the play equipment, gates, fences or railings, etc

• Consider wiping or cleansing play equipment before your child uses it

• Consumption of food or drink on play equipment or within the playground area is banned

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• salisbury city council
• churchill gardens
• Play