Game On! Parramatta Sport And Community Facilities Reopen

It’s kickoff time in the City of Parramatta following massive changes by the NSW government to the COVID-19 restrictions including the reopening of sporting and community facilities.

Restrictions will begin to ease starting from Monday 15 June with Council community facilities taking bookings from the public for halls, meeting rooms and community centres.

Outdoor sports grounds will resume competitions from Wednesday 1 July for both adults and children, with guidelines available for each sport’s state governing body.

Indoor community facilities will be limited to 100 people per venue at any time, with sporting groups allowed a maximum of 20 people for “non-contact training activities”.

In light of the news, the Epping Aquatic Centre has increased its capacity from 10 people to 18. In comparison, Macarthur Girls High School will allow just 12 people.

From Monday 15 June, sports grounds and community facilities will resume bookings, with the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre reopening from Tuesday 16 June for limited hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 10 am to 2 pm.

The facility will be restricted to no more than 20 visitors, and the Research Library will only be open for family history and local studies research appointments.

“We still have a long way to go in overcoming this coronavirus crisis and before our lives can return to normal, but the reopening of our sporting fields and outdoor courts for training will be a welcome relief to many in our community,” said City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer.

Despite the progress, Cr Dwyer is stressing the importance of good hygiene and social distancing.

“I understand that people will be excited to go back to training for their sports, but it’s important that we maintain good hygiene practices and continue to follow physical distancing requirements. By doing so, we can protect ourselves and those around us, and keep moving forward in our fight against COVID-19.”

Advice echoed by Hills Shire Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne when she strongly urged residents “to continue their good hygiene practices” such as covering or wiping down equipment, and washing hands before and after use.

With playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms reopening in May, the only community restrictions that remain in NSW are on amusement centres and adult personal services.

For more information regarding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, please refer to the NSW government website.