More play facilities being built for Swansea communities

This year each ward in Swansea is being given at least £36,000 to invest in new play equipment or to carry out repairs to existing facilities.

With further funding expected through existing planning agreements, local councillors using money from their environment budgets and other contributions the total investment during 2021 is expected to be more than £2m.

Upgrades have been starting this month at places like Parc y Helig,Parc Williams, Montana Park, Weigfawr, Kingsbridge and Dunvant with more to follow next month. Upgrades and new facilities take up to six weeks week to install and are being carried out by a range of contractors on behalf of the council.

The work comes as part of a pledge by Swansea Council to create or improve around 30 a number of play areas within our communities, as the city emerges from the pandemic and it follows the opening last month of the first one at Golden Grove Park.

The upgrade at Golden Grove Park is the first to be officially opened with pupils from Pengelli Primary School invited to attend as they helped to design it.

Robert Francis Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Children’s play areas are a key part of our communities, enabling young children to have fun and play in a safe environment.

“During the pandemic outdoor play areas became a haven for young children and their families to enjoy fresh air and exercise safely and Swansea Council was there to support communities.

“The funding we have agreed as part of the budget will ensure that these play areas all across the city will be upgraded and give families with young children the opportunity to have fun and take part in healthy outdoor activities for years to come.”

The city is home to 86 playgrounds where children can play safely and have fun. Some are in need of much needed upgrades while others have recently been installed as part of major developments such as new school builds.

Under the latest scheme, a total of 18 have already been identified and a programme of upgrades has been planned for completion in the next few months. A further 18 have also been included.

Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Business Improvement and Performance said: “As we emerge from the pandemic, Swansea Council is still there side-by-side with residents. We’re working alongside ward members and local communities to roll out play areas in the coming months.

“Every ward in Swansea will benefit from what we are doing and we will be working with local ward members in each community to ensure the funding is directed towards those play areas that will benefit from this additional investment.”

The full list of play areas being upgraded in June are:

Parc Williams, Knoyle Park, Llanyrnewydd Park in Penclawdd, Heol Frank in Penderry, Montana Park, Gowerton, Weig Fawr, Kingsbridge and Dunvant Park MUGA.

Next month work is due to start in Ravenhill, Cwm Glas, Port Tennant Park, Polly’s Park, Newton Park in Clydach.