Game on as public space restrictions lifted in Golden Plains

IT’S been eight weeks since Golden Plains Shire had to block access to the region’s playgrounds, skateparks and parks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now people of all ages can head to the amenities following the lifting of some restrictions by the State government.

Linton Primary School principal Jenny Dyer said that as grade prep, 1 and 2 pupils returned to school for the first time this term, their desire to get onto the play equipment was obvious.

“They were on the playground from 8.30 in the morning, and in the sandpit,” she said. “It was clear they had missed the activity.”

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the reopening of public space had two key positives, kids could have more options to be active, and it was a sign challenges of the pandemic were being overcome.

“We’re getting back to that bit of sense and normality,” he said. “It’s another box ticked on our road back.

“Also, we’re coming up to the school holidays in a few weeks and hopefully kids can get out there and further appreciate all these assets we’ve got around the Shire and parents have got a reason to take them out and start getting active again.”

Cr Sharkey said seeing the Bannockburn Heart go untouched for two months after only opening just before Christmas had been challenging.

“Especially with the Heart, every time we drove past there were just so many users on it and now to dive past that asset in the last eight weeks and see no body able to use it has been very much a shame,” he said.

Shire staff will be removing signage and barriers from playgrounds, skateparks and parks over the next few days.

An announcement on other shuttered municipal facilities will be made soon and in line with the further dialling back of State government restriction in early-June.