Vehicle access to Cornwall Park will continue to be restricted while the Auckland region remains at Alert Level Three, but weekend visitors will have access to free parking at the neighbouring Auckland Showgrounds.
Park Director Michael Ayrton said the decision to close Cornwall Park to vehicles in the meantime had been made in the interests of staff and visitor safety, and had been well-received by visitors to the Park.
“The government’s decision to allow up to 10 people from two households to meet up outside saw a huge increase in visitor numbers over the past weekend, and we expect that to be repeated this coming week,” said Ayrton.
“That puts extra responsibilities on our staff, who are having to work within the Covid restrictions that are still in place: keeping vehicles out of the Park until we return to Alert Level Two helps us ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time when they come here,” said Ayrton.
Ayrton said with people now allowed to move around Auckland for recreation, rather than being restricted to their local suburb as was previously the case, opening up the Showgrounds for car parking would enable more people to appreciate Cornwall Park at its springtime best.
“Getting out in nature is good for people’s mental and physical wellbeing at any time – but especially in our current situation,” said Ayrton.
Ayrton said facilities such as drinking fountains and barbecues would remain taped off so as to encourage people to maintain the required social distancing.
“Please come and enjoy the Park, but do so safely and consider the safety and enjoyment of others.”
Free parking for all visitors to Cornwall Park is available from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday at the Auckland Showgrounds; access at Gate Two
Comments