The London Legacy Development Corporation, the body responsible for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, has today (Monday 23 March) closed its playgrounds to encourage social distancing.

The Park remains open and the vast majority of those using it are keeping their distance from each other whilst enjoying the opportunity for fresh air and exercise. However, it is harder to maintain a safe distance in the playgrounds.

Mark Camley, Executive Director of Park Operations and Venues for the Park, said: “These are difficult times for everyone and parks have a vital role to play in maintaining people’s physical and mental well-being. But we have to be rigorous about preventing the spread of Covid-19 particularly in areas where children are actively encouraged to touch everything, as in our playgrounds.”

Mr Camley continued that while the Park’s two award winning playgrounds have closed, the rest of the 560 acre Park will remain open. 

“The Park is an amazing oasis of open space in the heart of London,” he said “and there is plenty of space for people to enjoy the planting and green spaces while maintaining an appropriate distance. It is an incredibly important space for local people, especially for those who don’t have their own gardens, to enjoy fresh air and the wonderful green spaces in these uncertain times.”

The Park’s venues, cafés and car parks are also closed until further notice but visitors can access the parkland without having to touch gates or other impediments.