Dinosaurs are heading to Wakefield parks this Easter weekend

Walton Nature Reserve is just one of many parks taking part.

Some of the larger country parks in the district are extremely busy and are likely to be very popular over the holiday period.

When parks are overcrowded it increases the transmission risk of Covid-19 as well causing obstructions for residents living in neighbouring housing estates.

To help keep everyone safe, the council is asking people to stay local and enjoy the great outdoors by visiting their local park or green spaces, where possible.

If parks are busy people are urged to try somewhere else, and to avoid parking in residential streets.

Glynn Humphries, Corporate Director for Communities, Environment and Climate Change at Wakefield Council said: “As the days are getting lighter and brighter and with the recent easing of some government restrictions, which allow two households, or up to six people to meet outside, many of us will want to make the most of the great outdoors over the holiday period.

“I hope everyone has fantastic break, but please enjoy yourselves safely. We have many fantastic spaces across our district, and if we stay local, we can all help to support the goal of reducing Covid-19 cases, by driving down transmission in our district.

“The last 12 months have been challenging but we need to keep going, by following the guidance of hands, face and space – washing our hands regularly, using a face covering where appropriate, and keeping a safe distance from others.

“By visiting parks and green spaces locally, this Easter we can all help to protect others and keeping individuals and communities safe.”

The council has recognised the challenge for parents to keep children entertained. Families can enjoy the outdoors by having a ROARsome Easter with the Love Exploring app.

Using Augmented Reality and GEO-Location, the Council’s Love Exploring app has brought dinosaurs to parks across the district, ready for families to discover.

Parks involved include:

Southern Washlands, Eastmoor

Carr Lodge Park, Horbury

Illingworth Park, Ossett

Betty Eastwood Park, Crigglestone

Walton Nature Reserve

Green Park, Ossett

Lofthouse Nature Reserve

Haw Hill Park, Normanton

Purston Park, Featherstone

Fitzwilliam Country Park

South Kirkby Green.

Visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/loveexploring for more information and to find out which parks are taking part.

Residents can also discover what walking routes are local to them at www.wakefield.gov.uk/walking