After over a year of lockdowns, tiers and other restrictions, now that more and more people are getting vaccinated, we hope we have turned a corner with the Covid-19 pandemic. On Monday 17th May more restrictions were lifted, and we took another step closer to what used to be normal life. However, there is still some risk from the spread of variants of the virus and we are advised to keep taking precautions. HANDS, FACE, SPACE, FRESH AIR. Get some of your fresh air in Swinton Grove Park!

As of Wednesday 6th January we are back in lockdown due to the very high infection rate of Covid-19. One piece of good news is that daily exercise is being encouraged, so the park will remain open. Just remember to keep 2 metres distance from everyone else.

It is important that we all play our part in protecting each other and getting the infection rate down again – hands - face - space. Even if you are one of the minority who think they don't need to take precautions, please respect others who are doing so.

Manchester Councillor Luthfur Rahman has written a letter to Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to remind him of the importance of parks during the Covid-19 pandemic. "...the value of parks became more clearly evident than ever before and the Government regularly called for people across the nation to make use of parks, to boost their physical and mental wellbeing."

He mentions the more than 100 voluntary groups (including FOSGP) that partner with the Council's Parks team who have "worked tirelessly to provide safe access to the green lungs of the city." Park use has risen by over 30% in Manchester, which has resulted in an extra 78,487 bags of litter!

Councillor Rahman goes on to remind Mr Sunak that little support has been given to keeping our parks open and safe., and asks that he commits extra resources. How about us who use the parks? Perhaps the best way we can thank the hard-working Parks team is by NOT DROPPING LITTER!!

Read the full letter here.

No sooner were we in 'Tier 3' but along comes another lockdown! One of several important differences is that parks remain open, this time including the playgrounds. So we can still enjoy Swinton Grove Park and the children can go on the swings etc.with, of course, social distancing. As before, it's up to all of us to do our part to protect each other.

Greater Manchester has come under 'Tier 3' Covid restrictions. This is the highest level, meaning Very High Risk. For our park it means it can stay open, but people using it must socially distance and not be in groups of more than six. And don't forget, by wearing a mask outdoors you are protecting other people. To see what else the Tier 3 rules mean we can and cannot do click here. These rules will only work if we all stick to them. To get on top of this virus, everyone has to play their part.

We have been awarded a grant of £500 towards the costs of the Fun Day by the University Construction Community Fund, for which, thank you! However, in the light of the Coronavirus crisis a decision has to be made about whether or not the Fun Day will be able to go ahead. It is over 2 months away and a lot can happen in that time, but a "better safe than sorry" policy might be best. Once that decision is taken – be it a postponement or cancellation – it will be posted here. If we do decide to postpone to later this year, the UCCF say the grant can be used right up to December 31.

This Coronavirus crisis is affecting just about every aspect of life – including our park. The park facilities (play and sports areas) have been closed for the time being.  The park itself will remain open for individuals and households to exercise once a day, but please follow the government rules of no more than two people in a group, unless from the same household, and observe 2m social distancing.    

After a break in 2019, Fun Day will be back in 2020 (funding permitting). We have added two more members to the Friends of Swinton Grove Park - the group of local volunteers who organise the day - and we are working towards Saturday July 4 (make a note of the date!). Watch this space for more news nearer the time.

If you have ideas for what should happen on Fun Day, or would like to help in any way, please get in touch. This is an event that is for and by local people - the more who are involved, the better!

This year's Love Parks Week is July 12-21 with lots of free events happening in Manchester parks.
Why not walk on part of Manchester’s new Green Trail, a walking circuit made up of 14 routes which connects many of the beautiful green spaces and tree lined streets around the city. Download a map. During Love Parks Week the Ramblers will lead walks on every section of the Trail. Download a list of dates and times and meeting points. For further information contact Salle Dare on 07523 871475.