Further play area improvements to be delivered across RCT

RCT Council has announced its programme to improve 19 more children’s play areas during 2022/23 – having already refurbished more than 100 facilities over the past seven years in a £4.8m investment.

This year’s programme includes 13 new schemes along with six separate projects that had previously been allocated funding. Therefore, 19 play areas will be improved this year, representing a total investment of £672,000.

Here is a list of the 13 play areas which will benefit from the 2022/23 funding, along with a brief description of the planned improvements works this year:

• King George V play area, Tonypandy – improvements to fitness area.
• Blaencwm play area, Treherbert – full refurbishment completed.
• Morgan Terrace play area, Cymmer – partial refurbishment under construction
• Mount Pleasant play area, Porth – partial refurbishment.
• Lee Gardens play area, Penrhiwceiber – partial refurbishment.
• Ynysybwl Rec play area – new item of play.
• Philip Street play area, Robertstown – full refurbishment.
• Cefn Don play area, Hirwaun – full refurbishment.
• Central Park play area, Llantwit Fardre – partial refurbishment.
• Cae Fardre play area, Llantwit Fardre – partial refurbishment.
• Coed Isaf play area – improvements for toddler play.
• Barry Sidings play area (BMX facility) – surface renewal.
• Taffs Well Park play area – partial refurbishment.

The schemes which have previously secured funding are at Dan y Cribin play area in Ynysybwl (surface renewal of BMX facility), Lee Gardens play area in Penrhiwceiber (renewal of toddler unit), High Street play area in Gilfach Goch (in design), Gilfach Goch skate park (renewal), Beddau skate park in Tyn y Nant (renewal) and Pant y Seren play area in Tonyrefail (improved facilities).

Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “Every year since 2015 the Council has delivered significant investment programmes that have improved play facilities for our young people. Well over 100 play areas have been improved in this time, in community locations right across Rhondda Cynon Taf – to promote healthy outdoor activity using modern, fit-for-purpose equipment.

“I’m very pleased that this year’s programme contains new refurbishment schemes at 13 play areas – and that the Council will complete 19 projects in total. This investment of £672,000 is included in the £4.8m of schemes already delivered over seven years and those planned for this year, for the benefit of our young people and families.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the works programme get underway across the 19 sites, and to see our young people enjoying their new outdoor play areas as they are delivered throughout the year ahead.”