Derby has more than 375 parks and open spaces to enjoy, so there are lots of places to enjoy being outdoors for daily exercise at this current, difficult time. With fine weather forecast for the rest of this week, and the Easter bank holiday approaching, the team at Derby Parks is asking residents to act responsibly so we can all keep each other safe.

Our advice follows Government guidance:

  • Stay close to home – choose a local space you can walk to if possible. Avoid unnecessary travel.
  • Keep your distance – while you’re there, stay at least 2 metres away from other people
  • Exercise alone, or only with members of your household
  • Wash your hands as soon as you get home.

All park amenities, playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms remain closed. All still water lakes are closed to anglers. At the weekend, the car park at Markeaton Park was closed on police advice due to the number of people arriving by car. It is not the first time that car parks have been closed for this reason and Derby Parks will continue to monitor the situation in other areas, working in consultation with the police.

The aim is for everyone to enjoy their short break outdoors, but to avoid large gatherings. Please use phones and social media to stay in touch with friends and family for the time being – the parks will still be here when all this is over.

Please help us maintain parks at this difficult time and take your litter home. The Derby Parks team would like to thank everyone for their continued support, and wish everyone all the very best. Further news will be posted on our news page and the Derby Parks social media feeds on Facebook and Twitter.

For general information about our parks and open spaces, visit the Derby Parks website.