Car parks for Dinton Pastures and California Country Park re-opened today to visitors.
But the play parks will remain closed, in order to comply with social distancing guidelines.
On Sunday, May 10, Boris Johnson announced that people could drive to local parks to exercise from today.
He said: “We want to encourage people to take more and even unlimited amounts of an outdoor exercise, you can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations. You can even play sports only with members of your own house.”
This morning, a reader contacted Wokingham.Today after speaking with a ranger at Dinton Pastures on their dog walk.
They said: “The ranger at Dinton told me they are aiming to open the car parks today, but will be cordoning off the areas where the public can’t go.
“They’re going to close off the cafe, picnic area and toilets to the public.”
The borough council confirmed that the main Dinton car park, along with the Activity Centre and Aviation car parks are now open, providing 200 car parking spaces.
To ensure visitor numbers remain manageable and aid social distancing, the overflow car parks will not open at this stage.
The two main car parks will also open at California Country Park, providing 100 parking spaces. The overflow car parks will also remain closed at this site. Cafes, toilets and play areas will remain closed at both sites.
Cantley Park’s car park has also reopened today and the smaller Countryside Service car parks at Rook’s Nest Woods and Keephatch Meadows will also re-open to the public. Heathlake is currently undergoing resurfacing work and will open at a later date.
Other activities that will open include day fishing which will start again at both sites. In addition, Disc Golf will also re-start on Lea Heath, and will be open to individuals and same family groups.
Social distancing marshals will be present at both country parks to encourage visitors to keep a safe two-metre distance from one another.
If the car parks are full, marshals will be waving cars to pass and not stop. Visitors are reminded to respect the marshals and to not park on nearby roads or side streets but to return at a quieter time to use the country park.
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We are still encouraging our residents to use their local park, or to visit by walking or cycling. If visitor numbers are too high and social distancing guidelines aren’t being adhered to, then we reserve the right to close the car parks again, as safety of our staff and our residents remains of paramount importance.”
