Published on Friday, 5 June 2020 at 5:38:36 PM
The time has almost come to welcome back play, pampering, pump classes and pints at your Vincent local, with coronavirus restrictions easing at midnight.
Tomorrow we welcome back a host of businesses – from day spas to wellness centres – as well as the gyms, cafes, restaurants and pubs that could not open under the tighter rules.
Businesses that have already opened will get the chance to welcome back more customers, with gatherings of up to 100 people now allowed.
Big businesses can have up to 300 people across three spaces, pubs can serve alcohol without food and gyms can offer all of their old activities.
“This weekend we can enjoy more of the things we used to take for granted – beauty appointments, a quick drink, trips to the playground and spin classes,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
“We would like to welcome back our local businesses and their employees after what has been a pretty long and difficult time. We are so happy to have you back.
“Phase three will have a big impact on our businesses and the local economy and I’m sure we will all see more vibrancy in our town centres and neighbourhoods from tomorrow.
“Now is the time for all of our community members to embrace the opportunity to support local.”
The days of bribing your kids with babycinos as you try to wrestle them away from taped off playgrounds will also end tomorrow.
All 42 playgrounds across Vincent - as well as Leederville Skate Park and our outdoor exercise equipment - will open up to the public.
This also includes our Pop Up Play areas and the popular sand pile at Beatty Park, which is getting a top up in preparation for phase three.
Drinking fountains and barbeques will be available for community use and we encourage anyone who is planning on using these facilities to pack hand sanitiser and practice good hygiene.
“Parents of young kids will be breathing a collective sigh of relief tomorrow when the tape around our playgrounds come down,” said Mayor Cole.
“Before COVID-19 it was unimaginable that we would ever have to lock the gates and tape off our playgrounds so opening them up again is an amazing feeling!
“Our parks have been so well used throughout the pandemic and have become really important places for people to escape to and get fresh air.
“This next step will make our parks even more enjoyable for families and parents who have struggled to explain to their young kids why they can’t use the slide or swing.
“We expect areas like Hyde Park and our popular nature playgrounds at Braithwaite Park and Oxford Street Reserve to be really popular with families over the weekend.
“Just remember, physical distancing and regular hand washing remains so important. So bring your hand sanitiser and if the playground looks really busy, it might be best to grab a coffee first and come back when it quietens down.”
The City is excited to welcome back more patrons to Beatty Park Leisure Centre next week under phase three.
The centre is split into multiple sections and each separate section can accommodate up to 100 people at a time. We are also introducing more group fitness classes.
Sessions will be timed, allowing for deep cleaning and safety monitoring throughout the day. The sauna, spa, steam room, swim school and crèche will remain closed for now and the gym is also temporarily closed while we finish off some important maintenance work. The aim is to reopen as soon as possible and in the very short term.
Limited access to public computers and limited seating are being re-introduced at the Library and Local History Centre.
We are also welcoming people back to council meetings in-person from Tuesday. Community members are welcome to attend the Council Briefing at the City of Vincent Administration building on 9 June and the Council Meeting on 16 June.
Back to All News