A council is limiting the number of people who will be allowed in the main Cassiobury Park play area at any one time during weekends.

On Saturdays and Sundays, Watford Borough Council will allow a maximum of 75 people - including parents and guardians – at a time within the play area near the paddling pools and hub building.

Working on a ‘one in / one out’ principle, people will be allowed within the gated play area as space becomes available.

Two gates will be kept open and will be controlled by marshals, with signage in place across the park and play area explaining the new rules to park users.

The move will be coming into force from this weekend, the council said.

Watford Observer: Watford Borough Council is managing the number of people using the main Cassiobury Park play area (photo Watford Council - photo taken before Covid pandemic)Watford Borough Council is managing the number of people using the main Cassiobury Park play area (photo Watford Council - photo taken before Covid pandemic)

The council says it is making the move as it is seeing a high number of people visiting the park and playground at weekends, which is “making social distancing difficult and risking the spread of Covid-19”.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “We recognise how important people’s daily exercise is during lockdown and we are fortunate that Watford has so many great parks and outdoor spaces for people to visit.  Taking this step means people can still enjoy the play area in Cassiobury Park but we must do all we can to make sure it is safe and that people are not risking their health or that of others.

“Only this week, we saw the pressure Watford General Hospital is still under on our televisions and that many more younger people are falling seriously ill with Covid-19.  Watford’s parks and playgrounds are still very much open but I encourage everyone to be responsible and stay apart as best as they can whilst they are enjoying the fresh air and exercise.”

The council has issued the following advice:

  • Please avoid crowded parks - instead check out some of Watford’s alternative and quieter green spaces
  • Don’t exercise if you have any symptoms or are self-isolating
  • Follow all the guidance and instructions to help stop the spread of Covid-19
  • Bring your own hand sanitiser and clean your hands / children’s hands before and after use
  • Consider wiping down equipment before using it
  • Keep to social distancing 
  • Don’t touch your face with your hands and encourage children not to do so
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it safely
  • Don’t eat or drink when using the equipment
  • Remember to wash your hands thoroughly when you get home