Some of Swansea’s best-loved parks will have eye catching new attractions next week – giant emojis.

Huge smiley faces – some with sunglasses, some with heart-shaped eyes – will be mown into the grass at a number of locations across the city.

Their appearance will coincide with the UK-wide Love Parks Week (July 13-20), World Emoji Day (July 17) and a host of free fresh air activities run for the public by Swansea Council’s ParkLives team.

Council Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism Robert Francis-Davies said: “People around the world use emojis every day so it’s a great idea for Swansea to celebrate World Emoji Day and Love Parks Week by getting active and healthy.

“Our parks staff are working hard to create smiley faces which will offer a friendly new welcome to parks visitors.

“I urge residents and visitors to spend some quality time in one of our wonderful parks and to take part in our activities.”

Swansea’s ParkLives programme, incorporating Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, offers free activities in local parks and open spaces.

Launched in the city two years ago, it gives locals the chance to join thousands of people across the UK taking part in fun outdoor activities.

Giant emojis will appear in several parks with ParkLives activity during Love Parks Week including:

Victoria Park, near the Guildhall – circuits sessions from 12.15-1pm on Tuesday and Thursday;
Parc Williams, Loughor – parkour fitness sessions from 5-6pm and 6-7pm on Wednesdays (advanced booking required);
Parc Llewelyn, Morriston – mountain boarding session from 9.45-11am and 11.15am-12.30pm on Sunday.

There will also be many other activities for people to enjoy during Love Parks Week, including yoga, multi sports and companion cycling. A teddy bears’ picnic for families, organised by Swansea Council’s Early Language Development Team in association with ParkLives, is due to take place on the National Waterfront Museum green on Friday, July 20.

Emojis are also planned for Morriston Park and Ynystawe Park. Council officers are also considering an emoji for Parc Y Werin, Gorseinon.

To see the full range of ParkLives sessions near you and to book your places, visit www.swansea.gov.uk/parklives