After about six months of forced closure to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Lagos State government is seen beginning gradual reopening of public parks and recreational centres in the state.
The state is starting with two publicly owned and operated facilities – the Ndubisi Kanu Park at Alausa, and the Abayomi Finnih Park in Oregun, Ikeja.
They are, however, expected to strictly apply and adhere to all safety protocols to check further spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Titilayo Ajirotutu, the assistant director, public affairs, Lagos State Parks and Gardens (LASPARK), made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.
The government had closed down all parks in the state in the wake of the coronavirus to slow community spread of the virus.
This measure denied fun seekers the opportunity to relax in the open and hindered government revenue from the facilities.
The statement quoted Adetoun Popoola, the general manager of LASPARK, as saying that the agency had made necessary arrangements and put in place relevant safety protocols for the public to visit the parks.
“Strict observance of Covid-19 guidelines including physical distancing, use of face masks, temperature checks and washing of hands with soap and running water is germane to reducing the risk of exposure to the virus.
“It is also pertinent to mention that children below five and adults above 65 years are advised to stay home to reduce their risk of infection.
“All play items and games which have high touch surfaces will also not be operational for now at the parks,” Popoola said.
The LASPARK GM said further that the occupancy limit of the parks had been restricted to 150 people for Ndubuisi Kanu Park and 100 people for Dr. Abayomi Finnih park to prevent overcrowding.
She said that other public recreational parks in various parts of the state are still being assessed for reopening, adding that the public would be notified accordingly.
