New guidelines for enjoying parks

Tue 12 May 2020

Following the Government’s change in guidance, visitors will be able to make more use of Derby’s parks and open spaces from tomorrow, Wednesday 13 May. The Derby Parks team are asking all park users to be considerate and continue to use social distancing to keep themselves and each other safe.

You can now spend time outdoors, for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking or sunbathing, as well as using the parks for exercise as much as you wish. What else is new is that you can meet one other person from a different household in one of our parks or open spaces, as long as you keep at least two metres away from them.

To accommodate the new guidance, we are making the following changes from tomorrow:

  • Our outdoor sports courts and facilities such as tennis courts, multi-use games areas (for playing games such as basketball) and sports walls will be open. Please use them with members of your own household, or with one other person while staying two metres apart. More information about our tennis courts is in our advice about specific facilities below.
  • We are re-opening our car parks that were closed during lockdown, including Alvaston Park, Allestree Park, King George V Playing Fields, Markeaton Park, Osmaston Park, Pit Close Recreation Ground and Sinfin Moor Park LNR. All others remain open.
  • All angling on Derby’s parks is managed by the Earl of Harrington’s Fishing Club, who have put guidelines in place for it to resume.  The guidelines include the requirement for anglers, as is the case with all park users, to practise social distancing. www.theearlofharringtonsac.co.uk.

However the following restrictions will continue to apply until further notice to ensure that we all follow the measures needed to keep ourselves and each other safe:

  • No team sports, unless you are only playing with members of your own household. The Steve Bloomer Artificial Turf Pitch at The Racecourse remains closed.
  • Park toilets will remain closed.
  • Play areas and outdoor gyms will remain closed.
  • Skate parks and BMX tracks will remain closed.
  • Cafes, kiosks and ice cream vans are not currently serving refreshments but this is being reviewed in line with Government advice.

Please help us keep our parks tidy by taking all your litter home with you. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation. By using our parks and open spaces with consideration we can enjoy the full benefits of being outdoors.

Advice about specific facilities

Allestree Park Golf Course

Allestree Park Golf Course will re-open to players from Monday 25 May. While the course has been closed members of the golf maintenance team have been working in more critical roles for Derby City Council. Work can now start on getting the course ready for play again.

We will be taking bookings seven days in advance for bookings from 8am on Monday 18 May. Book online at Golf Now up to 7 days in advance.  Season ticket holders should call 01332 550616.

Unless they are from the same household, players will be required to remain at least two metres apart and measures will be put in place to help them do this. Players should arrive at the course no earlier than 15 minutes before their tee-off time and should use their own equipment. All tee-off times will be ten minutes apart and will be a maximum of two people. Full details will be provided at the time of booking.

The clubhouse and the toilets remain closed. Players are required to provide their own hand sanitiser.

All rounds of golf should be pre-booked and paid for in advance by calling the club directly. Tee times will be released seven days prior to playing the course, and will be split between season ticket holders/club members and Pay and Play customers.

Tennis courts

The Tennis courts are now open to book from Wednesday morning at 9am at Darley Park and Markeaton Parks.

This needs to be done through the clubspark system and the instructions are on the boards around the tennis courts. Charges apply.

You may play tennis with a member of your household or one other person from a different household.

Players must not share equipment, or have any physical contact throughout. Social distancing rules need to be followed at all times.

When your game is over you need to leave the courts immediately and make the courts available to the next people who have booked.

Tennis courts are free to use at Alvaston Park and King George V Playing Fields. No booking is required.

Government Guidelines are being followed and changes may occur as we follow advice.