Blacktown City Council will reopen a number of community and recreational facilities that have been closed for the past 10 weeks due to restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre will reopen in stages from Friday 16 June and Council owned tennis courts will open from this Friday 5 June.
Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said. “With changes to the NSW Government Public Health Order for the Covid-19 pandemic and a relaxation of restrictions it is important that we reopen our community facilities as soon as practicable.
“We believe that the reopening of our cultural and sporting facilities is vital to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community.
“Council is moving towards further easing of restrictions at its indoor pools, gyms, and community centres by 13 June with our libraries opening progressively from 15 June and the Mobile Library service already restored.
“Council is working with our local sporting organisations to ensure that competition for those aged 18 and under can restart by 1 July.”
The latest easing of restrictions follows Council’s reopening of playgrounds, outdoor gyms, parks, reserves and playing fields. As well, limited organised training is currently allowed at Council’s sporting fields and limited squad training is allowed at Blacktown Aquatic Centre.
“However, we know that the virus is still in the community and it is important to ensure that the facilities are reopened under strict COVID-19 protocols and that social distancing is maintained at all times,” Mayor Bleasdale said.
Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre:
- 16 June – The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre reopens to the public Tuesday-to-Fridays with limited programs and ongoing digital presence
- 1 August – the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre open to the public Tuesday-to-Saturday and resumes more public programs
- 1 September – The Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre resumes full public program of activities in line with Government and Public Health Guidelines.
Tennis Courts:
Activities at Council controlled tennis courts, including Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope, that are permissible from Friday 5 June:
- Singles and doubles play
- Casual play and court hire
- Group coaching and squad training as long as the social distancing requirements of 1.5
Metres are met
- As part of these arrangements, there is to be a limit of 4 players per court at all times (this does
not include a coach) and participants are to leave promptly at the conclusion of their activity
- All coaches are to provide a framework covering how they will meet the Public Health Order
- All tennis activities will be in accordance with the Public Health Order and the Tennis NSW Covid-19 Community Tennis Guidelines for Continued Play
- Changerooms and toilets will be reopened for use by the hirer only with regular cleaning and sterilization occurring
- Each tennis facility will have arrangements in place to ensure that facilities are presented in a clean and tidy state and meet the current hygiene requirements
- Arrangements have been established for online booking and cashless payment.
Council’s Administration Centre in Blacktown currently remains closed to the public however the Customer Service Centre remains open to phone and online inquiries.
“While it is wonderful to see our residents, communities and businesses enjoying the easing of restrictions in our work, recreation, schools and worshipping it is vital that we maintain our social distancing, personal hygiene and testing.” Mayor Bleasdale said.
