Following updates to government guidance, there will be a number of changes in the coming weeks, but only when we believe it is as safe as possible to do so.
Reopened on 4 July
- Ball courts in Ducketts Common
- Ball courts, Multi-Use Games Area and skate park at Lordship Rec
- Ball courts (basketball, netball and volleyball) and skate park in Finsbury Park
Then from Monday (6 July), an online booking system will come into operation to play basketball in Finsbury Park and you will need to pre-book a slot on the Access to Sports website (external link). Please don’t show up without a prior booking as you will be refused access to the courts.
These facilities will all have supervised opening times (Ducketts Common: 12noon-10pm, Finsbury Park: 12pm-8pm, Lordship Rec 2pm-8pm).
Please take time to read and follow the on-site instructions, keep a safe distance from others, and be respectful of those around you.
Cllr Kirsten Hearn, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Sustainability, said:
The pandemic is not over. Gradually, we are lifting restrictions in parks and I am relieved that we begin on Saturday with our three most popular ball courts.
Lockdown has been so tough for our young people. I want them to enjoy stretching their legs, getting active and enjoying the release of sport again. Court supervision is designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and supporting players to #PlaySafeStaySafe in Haringey this summer.
All other ball courts and tennis courts in parks will then re-open in a phased manner from Monday 6 July onwards and be completed by Friday 17 July. The reopening of playgrounds, outdoor gyms and the public toilets in Finsbury Park will follow, but only when it is safe to do so. We are currently anticipating all facilities will be open by the end of July.
The tennis courts at Albert Road Recreation Ground (external link), Bruce Castle Park (external link) and Finsbury Park (external link) are independently managed by community sports organisations and have already opened. All three venues require pre-booking online, so please do not turn up without a slot.
Our priority is the safety of residents and staff. We will be reviewing the situation regularly. Updates will be provided on our Parks pages.
We know that parks and open spaces are vital for mental health and wellbeing and want to thank everyone who has been using them responsibly during the pandemic.
The government has shared updated guidance to stay safe outdoors (external link).
You can meet in groups of:
- up to six people from different households, while following the social distancing guidelines
- up to two households (your support bubble counts as one household)
You can meet with different households at different times. However, you should socially distance from anyone not in your household or bubble.
And please continue to keep dogs on leads in our parks.
The government’s social distancing rules (external link) are available online and please continue to wash your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before you set off and when you return.
We want to thank you for your continued support – let’s keep it up to prevent a second wave of coronavirus.
