March 25, 2020 3.57 pm This story is over 48 months old

Lincoln park playground closed, but runners still enjoying the outdoors

Exercise sensibly with appropriate social distancing
The playground at Boultham Park has been padlocked shut. Photo: Linda Verney

The popular playground at Boultham Park in Lincoln has been padlocked shut as restrictions continue to be put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although no clear or obvious signage was on display at the park, the childrens’ playground was padlocked shut to stop people from using the facilities unnecessarily.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed earlier this week that people will only be allowed to leave their home for the following four limited reasons:

  • Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible
  • One form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household;
  • Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person; and
  • Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home.

Boultham Park seemed peaceful. Photo: Linda Verney

The other entrance to the playground was also padlocked shut. Photo: Linda Verney

People have been making the most of their one form of exercise a day as a number were seen walking and running in Boultham Park on Wednesday afternoon.

As people approached each other, they were seen to move right out of the way to observe the two metre distancing guide.

The cafe in the park is closed until further notice and the park run is also suspended.

Fortunately for the ducks, they don’t have to observe social distancing. Photo: Linda Verney

Meanwhile, Hartsholme Park said it is not business as usual and it is not open to be used for a family day out. Instead, it provides a reduced facility for people in genuine need “to exercise sensibly, whilst adopting safe separation distances”.

It will provide this service as long as it has an “appropriate number of staff to do so”.

The cafe and toilet facilities at the park are currently closed.