Parklife is blooming again amid the spring sunshine
People spending a day at a Wolverhampton city centre park have spoken of the joy at being able to get out and about and the relief at the next stage of restrictions being lifted.
The next stage of the relaxation of Covid restrictions has seen people able to go out and enjoy the beauty of parks and outdoor settings across the region from March 29 onwards.
It allows groups of up to six people from any number of households or a group of any size from up to two households to be able to gather in parks and gardens with social distancing.
Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts can also reopen, with organised adult and children’s sport, including grassroots football, able to return.
The Government’s “stay at home” order has ended, with messaging moving to “stay local”, but people are asked to continue to work from home where possible and overseas travel will remain banned.
West Park in Wolverhampton was one of many parks across the region to enjoy an increase in people coming to see friends and family and take in the early spring sunshine.
Adam Morris from Shifnal was one of those pleased to be at the park, with the 28-year-old personal trainer saying that it was good for people's mental and physical health to be able to get out and about.
He said: "I think the lifting of restrictions is a great thing and will be really beneficial to a lot of people as they will be able to see people outdoors.
"As a physical trainer, I'm aware of the need for increased physical activity and they've said that coronavirus has a greater effect on those with poor health, so being able to train people here is a boost.
"I feel very comfortable about the current situation as I think we are in the final stretch with the vaccination programme, so this is the light at the end of the tunnel.
"I'm also looking forward to getting back to rugby training on Thursday and then seeing my family for the first time in a long time."
Adam had been able to fully relaunch his training programme as well, with Ian Fellows from Ettingshall Park being put through his paces at the West Park bandstand.
The 61-year-old said it was a real boost to see restrictions being lifted as he had spent a lot of time living on his own.
He said: "I'm self-employed as a labourer, so I've spent a lot of time on my own, plus I lost two of my cousins to this virus, who both had serious health problems.
"The fact I can come here and train today is wonderful and makes me feel that we getting near the end of this, particularly with the vaccination rate.
"I'm a lot more comfortable about things now then at the end of last year and have peace of mind after getting my vaccination jab.
"I'm looking forward to seeing family members from across the country and spending a bit more time outdoors."
The park was also full of families enjoying a day out, with plenty of people walking around the glasshouse and pond in the centre of the park.
Adrian Sappor was there with his fiancée Chantelle Gibson and son Khyan and the 35-year-old said it was such a relief to be about to go out.
He said: "It's a great thing as we have all been locked up in our homes for a long time, walking from bedroom to bedroom just to do work, so it's great to come down to the park.
"I play a lot of golf, so I'm really looking forward to playing again and already have a few rounds booked over the next few weeks.
"I feel a lot more comfortable being out as well because of the success of the vaccination programme and we are already getting ready for our wedding in June, so it's all positive."
Young and older people were out enjoying a picnic or a walk around the park, including friends Linda Parton and Sandra Brockhurst.
The two 67-year-olds said it was wonderful to see people out enjoying the park and said it gave them a real boost during their daily walk.
Linda said: "It's a lovely place to sit and talk and it's wonderful to see so many people out having a nice walk and having fun.
"I feel comfortable about the restrictions being lifted and I think it's good to be able to go for a walk and enjoy a chat with friends and family."
Sandra said: "It's great that more people can meet because it helps more people to get together and we both have a good circle of friends we can now go and see.
"We're both happy to be able to go out and enjoy a walk in the park and I feel confident with the lifting of restrictions as we've both been vaccinated."
