During the social distancing restrictions Centennial Park was closed to vehicle traffic over four weekends from 18 and 19 April through to 9 and 10 May (inclusive). This generated a huge amount of space, freedom and safety for runners, cyclists, walkers, rollerbladers, scooters and families. Sentiment surrounding this decision broadly excepted as positive according to Centennial Parklands social media content [197 positive vs 3 negative].

For patrons visiting during these weekends, they would have seen the young and old enjoying the additional safe space; able to practice a variety of exercises in a safe environment.

It's unrealistic to close the park to the level seen in April and May 2020, the park is for everybody and a large percentage need private transportation to visit. However, there could be a middle ground. One day a week for runners to run time trails on the road, a day for children to ride scooters without crashing into walkers, a day for cyclists to ride confident they wont be cut off by dangerous driving. One car-free weekend day a month.

With a 2,000 spot multi-storey car park just across the road at the Entertainment Quarter, the local area has the infrastructure it needs to support this change. Please support and sign.