Name/TitleCheltenham Golf Course, used as a public park during lockdown
About this objectCheltenham Golf Club was closed for most of each of Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns. During these periods, the course was used by locals as a recreation area. That was particularly the case when playgrounds and schools were closed, and travel was restricted to 5 km from home.
In August 2021, during Melbourne’s sixth lockdown, the club actively suggested locals should bring children to the course for exercise. They were specifically encouraged to roll down the hills, play frisbee, kick a ball, and count the different types of birds. The course proved to be very popular and much used.
The photos show families enjoying their time on the course and exercising their dogs. At the time, public gatherings were still limited but the photos were taken on the first day that some socialising with other households had been allowed. For those fully vaccinated up to five from two household could meet. Others were limited to a maximum of two from two households. The travel limit had also increased that day from 5 km to 10 km from home, allowing more Melburnians to meet up.
