Parks and Open Spaces

To view the current status of sites and facilities open during Covid-19 of our informal outdoor recreation/managed sites by clicking here

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council parks are open from 0900-2100 hrs daily (note there are several exceptions which are locally notified at the gates).  Those with adjoining car parks have also re-opened.   Where possible the parks will operate a one-way system that everyone should adhere to.

Public toilets are available at Wallace Park, Moira Demesne, Hillsborough and in Castle Gardens.

We all want to enjoy the outdoors with our families and friends. So alongside Government protocols and public health guidelines, here are some tips to help us all to make decisions using our own sound judgement, continue to be considerate to others and not put stresses on the NHS and other Emergency Services, so we can all:

ENJOY A HEALTHY AND SAFE VISIT TO OUR OUTDOORS

STAY SAFE - LEAVE NO TRACE - LOVE THE PLACE

• Stay Apart
• Stay Active and Share the Space
• Keep Moving

• Be especially mindful of not gathering or lingering around key points such as car parks, bridges, gates, information points.
• Keep apart, socially distancing.
• Consider the use of a face mask in more frequently used areas such as car parks.

• Choose a quiet location.
• Choose a quiet time.
• Be considerate of other visitors/users – stay a few hours, not all day.

• Avoid popular honey pot sites - if there are lots of people it will be more difficult to stay 2 metres apart from others and observe social distancing.

• Respect staff and volunteers.

• Staff, volunteers and signage are there to help to keep everyone safe and healthy – please follow their instruction.

• Don’t risk injury – protect the NHS and emergency services.

• Now is not the time to end up in hospital.
• Respect other users of the space.
• For now:
  • Choose familiar locations.
  • Choose a safer activity.
  • Choose an activity within your existing skills and experience level. Stick to low risk routes that you are familiar and comfortable with. 
• Many Governing Bodies of Sport have produced Guidance for their own sport – have a look at the more detailed guidance relating to your chosen activity (see links below this table).

• Keep your dog under control.
• Keep your dog away from other people.

• Prevent your dog from approaching other people and their dogs, cyclists, livestock and wildlife.
• It is difficult to retrieve a dog while observing social distancing.
• Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals.
• Wildlife may have nested closer to paths while no-one was visiting – please give it a wide berth.

• Clean your hands before and after your visit.

• Continue to follow public health guidelines on handwashing.
• Remember hand hygiene if you touch any surfaces.
• Toilets and facilities may not be open. Consider this in your planning and make alternative arrangements for your own provisions as required.

• Plan ahead.
• Check the site and facilities you need (such as car parks and toilets) are open before you leave home.

• Plan your day around your needs and what will be available
• You can travel for outdoor recreation, but consider if you need to currently until all the services you need are open again - are car parks, toilets, baby changing, playgrounds and other facilities open?
• Have a look at the websites below this table for ideas of places to visit close to you and to check whether facilities are open.

• Have a back-up plan if the venue is full when you reach it.

• The car park may be full.
• Please do not park outside of designated parking spaces or on verges or gateways.
• If the site is very busy, social distancing may be difficult and it would be wise to consider alternative venues.

• Keep the roads clear - don’t park at gates or on verges.

• Make sure the Emergency Services, local farmers or local residents will be able to pass by and to access fields, forests, or houses. If a car park is full, go somewhere else.

• Please take your rubbish home.

• You can help everyone by taking your own litter home with you, especially at a time when staff and volunteers may be deployed elsewhere on site or reduced in numbers due to shielding.

• Respect farm animals and wildlife.
• Leave gates as you found them.

• Wildlife may have got used to you not being there and nested somewhere close by – please give nature some space to flourish.

• Leave what you find.

• For all to enjoy the outdoors and love the place.