Residents across the area are being encouraged to continue to explore Bath and North East Somerset’s open spaces as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.
For many people, walks and family bike rides have been the highlight of the day during lockdown, helping to maintain mental and physical wellbeing.
Now, with restrictions being lifted, residents are being urged not to break their healthy habit and to maintain outdoor exercise as part of their routine.
Councillor Paul Crossley, cabinet member for Community Services, said: “One of the positives of lockdown is that through daily exercise many people have found new places to explore right on their doorstep and others have seen familiar places in a different light.
“Our parks and open spaces have never been more valued.
“Of course, the benefits to both mental and physical health of walking, cycling and spending time outdoors are well known, so as we move back to a more normal way of life, I’d encourage people to continue to explore their neighbourhoods and reap the benefits of regular outdoor exercise.
“While we really want people to enjoy our parks and countryside, please leave them as you would want to find them and take all your litter home with you.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council is responsible for nineteen parks across the district, all of which provide different experiences in varying landscapes from Kensington Meadows in Walcot to Beechen Cliff Woodland and Keynsham Memorial Park.
Many of the district’s parks have long histories and contain interesting buildings and design features such as the Palladian Bridge at Prior Park and Sydney Gardens Temple of Minerva.
Vanessa Pons who lives in Bath said: “I have felt privileged being able to enjoy all the parks and green spaces Bath has to offer, they have been a lifeline during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“Now, more than ever, our parks are essential to maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.”
Residents are being requested to follow social distancing rules in parks and ensure they use the litter bins provided or take their rubbish home with them.
