Tennis and basketball courts across Northampton reopen but play areas remain closed

Outdoor sporting facilities across Northampton have reopened in line with updated Government advice.

Today (May 19), Northampton Borough Council has announced outdoor courts in the town as well as the aviary, have reopened following updated guidelines about exercise that have been in place since Wednesday (May 13).

Tennis courts at Abington Park, the Racecourse and Becket’s Park are now open, as well as basketball courts at the Racecourse and other multi-use games areas across parks owned by the council.

The aviary in Abington park has also reopened from 8am to 4pm daily and will operate a one-way system.

The decision to make these facilities available for the public once again follows the announcement last week that car parks at council-run parks had reopened.Any court users or park-goers are asked to follow social distancing advice while using the reopened facilities, by playing only with members of their household or one person outside of their own home.

Councillor Mike Hallam, cabinet member for environment, said: "We continue to follow national guidelines on the use of parks and open spaces and as a result, we have reopened some facilities including car parks, basketball and tennis courts. But one thing has not changed and that is the need for social distancing.

“Keeping at least two metres apart from people not in your household remains essential in ensuring that we all play our part in stopping the spread of the virus.”

In line with existing government restrictions team sports, outdoor exercise classes and running clubs are not permitted in council parks and open spaces.

Visitor centres, children’s playgrounds, bowling greens, outdoor gym equipment and toilets will remain closed for the time being.

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