BELFAST City Council said it temporarily closed a public pathway in the south of the city because of "safety concerns".
The path, accessed from the Ravenhill Road, runs through the grounds of Ormeau Golf Club and into Ormeau Park and is widely used as an access point.
A sign on the locked gate said it had been closed due to `Covid restrictions'.
Park users have questioned the closure at a time when opportunities for exercise are limited during lockdown.
A spokeswoman for Belfast city council said the path "through the grounds of Ormeau Golf Club has been temporarily closed due to safety concerns, following reports of children playing near open water on the site".
"Signage is being added to the area directing pedestrians and cyclists to alternative routes through the park in the meantime, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused."
SDLP councillor Seamus de Faoite said he hoped "all possible actions to re-open this gate are taken as soon as possible".
"This is an important access route for people in the wider Ravenhill area," he said.
"We are so lucky to have such great parks and green spaces in our area, especially since the pandemic has kept us all close to home."
He added: "We’re working to make our parks more accessible, with new pilot schemes to extend opening hours and broaden activities due to commence later this year in Ormeau Park."
