After months of work, Newport City Council can confirm that the first phase of improvements at Tredegar Park, a new water play zone, Splash ‘Port, and an upgraded play area, are nearing completion.

The council is currently in the final stages of construction and testing all of the new equipment to ensure it is working as expected – you may even see some of this testing taking place if you are in the park over the next couple of weeks.

Providing everything goes as planned (and the great Welsh summer weather allowing), Newport Council will be hosting an opening event on Friday 9 August from 1pm and everyone is invited!

Here’s what you need to know about both areas.

Splash ‘Port

Splash ‘Port is the new water play zone at Tredegar Park. It will have 26 different water sprinkler features and a massive water tipping bucket.

New changing facilities for Splash ‘Port will be available in the existing changing room and toilet block and, once it is ready, it will be open daily from 10am-5pm until 30 September, except on days with very bad weather, such as heavy rain or thunderstorms.

You’ll find Splash ‘Port open from 1 April – 30 September each year.

Upgraded play area

As well as Splash ‘Port, Tredegar Park also will have an upgraded play area, which will include a range of brand-new play equipment, including multiple sets of swings, interactive boards, net climbs, multi-play frames and fully accessible roundabouts.

There will also be a sand play area with a small climbing frame and digger tools, as well as a new play zone for toddlers and a new picnic area.

The play area has also been fully resurfaced to deal with the unpredictable Welsh weather.

Further development including work to increase car parking space and the conversion of the old lodge into a new café facility, will commence later this year. In the meantime, temporary facilities will be put in place.

Work on a new path and ramp access from Splash ‘Port to the changing room block will also start later this year.

Commenting on the progress, Councillor Yvonne Forsey, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to confirm an opening date for the new facilities.

“The work is looking fantastic, and I’m sure it will make Tredegar Park even more popular for families!

“We can’t guarantee the sunshine, but we can guarantee somewhere for families to come and enjoy a fun day out over the summer and beyond.”

To accommodate some of the changes, the outdoor free-standing gym equipment has been moved further up the park, next to the skate park.

New surfacing has been put down around the equipment to improve accessibility.