The Liverpool ONE social bubbles in Chavasse Park take inspiration from New York

Liverpool ONE has taken inspiration from a New York park for its new Social Bubbles aimed at keeping its visitors safe during the Covid-19 crisis.

There are 75 social ‘bubbles’ within city centre spot, in the form of circles painted into the lawned area of Chavasse Park so people can sit within them and enjoy the waterfront views while keeping inside a set space with only their friends and family – or those inside their social bubbles.

The Liverpool ONE team said they were always looking for inspiration around the globe and decided to adopt the bubbles after seeing them at Domino Park on Instagram. 

“They are proving to be really popular with people are using them every day, especially during all the sunshine we’ve been having,” they said.

“They ensure people can still enjoy the open spaces at Liverpool ONE and the park – and do this safely.”

And they added: “They also lend themselves perfectly to the rule of six.”

Domino Park is a five-acre recreational area on the Brooklyn waterfront with fountains, a fog bridge, and courts for bocce and beach volleyball.

Built on site of the old Domino Sugar Refinery, which dates back to 1856 and at one point produced most of America’s refined sugar, it began using its social bubbles in May.

One of the Big Apple’s popular sunbathing spots, the large, painted circles were drawn on a huge expanse of grass and spaced six feet apart with the specific purpose of encouraging social distancing as the city contended with hundreds of thousands of Covid-19 cases.

The hope at Liverpool ONE and Chavasse Park is that people will be encouraged to go outdoors and get fresh air, and enjoy gathering again and being sociable, while being safe and protecting themselves and those around them.

Liverpool ONE began using its social bubbles in June when non-essential retail stores re-opened, and they have become more and more popular.

Donna Howitt, Communications Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“We are always looking for inspiration and came across this great initiative in Domino Park, Brooklyn.

“Chavasse Park is a fabulous sunbathing spot, looking across to the waterfront – or alternatively a great place for people to just sit and relax.

“It also provides business people returning to the city to work with an outdoor space where they feel safe, relaxed and can even enjoy a business lunch!”