County council owned parks reopened on Friday, June 12

Carmarthenshire County Council managed parks, including Pembrey Country Park, Parc Howard, Llyn Llech Owain and Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park reopened to the public on Friday, June 12.

The parks and open spaces were closed inline with government advice at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.

All toilet facilities, catering facilities, play areas and sport and leisure facilities will remain closed at all parks. This includes the ski and activity centre and the camping and caravan park in Pembrey Country Park. The situation will be reviewed daily.

Pembrey Country Park will be open from 8am until 6pm daily (gates will be locked at 6pm).

The number of vehicles will be limited to ensure social distancing can be maintained – this may mean a one-in, one-out system operating at busier times.

This is part of phased return to the re-opening of Pembrey Country Park.

Factory Road carpark (located outside the main entrance to Pembrey Country Park entrance) will also re-open on Friday (June 12).

Visitors are being warned that there will be no RNLI lifeguards on Cefn Sidan beach for the season.

Executive board member responsible for culture, sport and tourism Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths said: “We’ve been working hard to make sure we can open our parks and open spaces to residents in the county to ensure people locally and of course within the five miles regulations, can have access to somewhere for exercise, but this could only be done when we were confident it was safe not only for residents but for our staff also.

“We’re urging visitors to follow all guidance in the parks, so that a safe and enjoyable environment can be experienced by all. If visitors fail to abide by this then we will have no choice but to consider the closure of the parks to ensure public safety.

“We will be closely monitoring the situation daily and will be updating residents through the council’s website and social media pages.”

Executive board member responsible for environment, Cllr Hazel Evans, added: “Whilst we obviously want residents to enjoy, we would urge the public to remember to stay safe and to continue to follow the government’s guidance at all times – from staying local and only travelling within the five miles to abiding by social distancing rules at all times when visiting our parks and open spaces.”

A comprehensive FAQ section for each park will be available on the county council’s website. Residents are being urged to take a look at this to prepare ahead of visiting any of Carmarthenshire County Council’s parks.

Keep up-to-date with the latest news here and by the following the council and Pembrey Country Park on Facebook and Twitter.

Is Pembrey Country Park open?

Yes. The country park has re-opened to ensure people locally (with the 5-mile guidelines) can have access to somewhere for exercise and wellbeing. The park is open to walkers/cyclists and a certain number of vehicles each day.

What are the opening times for Pembrey Country Park?

The park will open at 8am and front gate will be locked at 6pm therefore all vehicles need to have exited the park by 6pm. During this time there will a restriction on the number of vehicles that are allowed entry to the park.

Why are you limiting the number of vehicles in the park and how many vehicles will you allow into Pembrey?

This is a public safety measure we have put in place to comply with Welsh Government guidance on social distancing. We will monitor the flow of traffic and movement of visitors throughout the day.

My annual permit has expired, is there an extension to the permit due to lockdown measures?

All permits have been automatically extended by the amount of time the park is closed.

How do I renew my permit / season ticket?

You can’t renew your pass at present but don’t worry we have automatically extended your pass if it was due to expire for the length of time the park was closed.

Why is Cefn Sidan beach entrance closed to vehicles?

The main beach entrance remains closed at this time to non council vehicles due to essential repairs that need to take place. We will reopen this as soon as work is complete. Unfortunately, construction on site had to stop due to the restrictions that were in place.

Is there anything else I need to be aware of?

The most important thing you need to be aware of is the importance of maintaining the 2 metre social distancing guidance which will help to keep you and your family safe. Please take your rubbish home with you and #staylocal

Are all the facilities open in Pembrey Country Park?

There are no facilities currently open within Pembrey this includes toilets, caravan and campsite, playground, ski and activity centre, closed cycling circuit and food outlets. These are closed in order to protect the health of visitors and staff, complying with Welsh Government guidance on preventing the spread of Covid19.

Is the caravan and campsite open at Pembrey Country Park?

The campsite remains closed until further notice. We continue to follow Welsh Government guidelines. Currently overnight stays, including in second homes, camping and holiday homes, are not permitted. We continue to monitor the situation. Updates will be made on the council and Pembrey Country Park’s websites and social media pages.

Is the closed road circuit open in Pembrey Country Park?

No, the closed road circuit is currently closed.

Is Cefn Sidan beach open?

Yes the beach is open, however, please be aware there will be no RNLI lifeguards on the beach for the season.

Can I park in Factory Road carpark and walk in to Pembrey country park?

Yes. The carpark in Factory Road is open and you are able to walk into the country park from there.

Are the toilets open in Pembrey Country Park?

No. All toilets are currently closed to the public.

Is there anywhere to buy snacks and drinks in Pembrey Country Park?

No, Yr Orsaf, the beach kiosk and the ski café currently remain closed.

Can I travel more than 5 miles to go to the park?

You should continue to abide by Welsh Government guidance, which is to only travel within 5 miles for exercise.

Can I still take my dog to the parks for exercise?

Yes, dogs are still allowed in the parks. When visiting the park please be mindful that there has been a significant rise in wildlife and they haven’t seen visitors for three months, therefore all dogs should be kept on leads.

Is Pembrey riding centre open to the public?

No, currently this facility is closed. We will update the website when it has re-opened to the public.

What are the opening hours for Parc Howard?

Parc Howard is open from 8am-8pm daily.

Is children’s play area open in Parc Howard?

No. The play areas as well as all other facilities such as the toilets, lido, bowling green and tennis courts remain closed.

Is Parc Howard mansion open?

No, the mansion currently remains closed to the public.

Are the toilets open in Parc Howard?

No. All toilets are currently closed to the public.

Can I still take my dog to the parks for exercise?

Yes, dogs are still allowed in the park. Please keep dogs on a lead and ensure you clean up any mess please.

Can I travel more than 5 miles to go to the park?

You should continue to abide by Welsh Government guidance, which is to only travel within 5 miles for exercise.

Is there anything else I need to be aware of when visiting Parc Howard?

The most important thing you need to be aware of is the importance of maintaining the 2 metre social distancing guidance which will help to keep you and your family safe. Please take your rubbish home with you and #staylocal

Do I need to pay to park at Llyn Llech Owain?

No, the pay and display machines are not currently in operation.

Are the toilets open in Llyn Llech Owain?

No, the toilets remain closed.

Is children’s play area open in Llyn Llech Owain?

No. The play area currently remains closed.

Can I travel more than 5 miles to go to the park?

You should continue to abide by Welsh Government guidance, which is to only travel within 5 miles for exercise.

Can I still take my dog to the parks for exercise?

Yes, dogs are still allowed in the parks. When visiting the park please be mindful that there has been a significant rise in wildlife and they haven’t seen visitors for three months, therefore all dogs should be kept on leads.

My annual permit has expired, is there an extension to the permit due to lockdown measures?

All permits have been extended by the amount of time the park has been closed.

How do I renew my permit / season ticket?

You can’t renew your pass at present but don’t worry we have automatically extended your pass if it was due to expire for the length of time the park was closed.

Is there anything else I need to be aware of when visiting Llyn Llech Owain?

The most important thing you need to be aware of is the importance of maintaining the 2 metre social distancing guidance which will help to keep you and your family safe. Please take your rubbish home with you and #staylocal

Can I travel more than 5 miles to go to Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park?

You should continue to abide by Welsh Government guidance, which is to only travel within 5 miles for exercise.

Is there anything else I need to be aware of when visiting Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park?

The most important thing you need to be aware of is the importance of maintaining the 2 metre social distancing guidance which will help to keep you and your family safe. Please take your rubbish home with you and #staylocal

Can I still take my dog to Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park for exercise?

Yes, dogs are still allowed in the woodland park. When visiting please be mindful that there has been a significant rise in wildlife and they haven’t seen visitors for three months, therefore all dogs should be kept on leads.