Council announces more play areas in the pipeline for city communities

Children from even more communities across Swansea will be gaining on the swings and the roundabouts in the coming months

Swansea Council has unveiled detailed plans for even more play area upgrades in communities across the city as part of its £5m play area fund.

Work has started at Loughor foreshore, Melin Mynach and Craig Cefn Park on top of others at Llangefelach, Coed Bach, and Pennard. A new play area for Penllergaer has been completed

The projects are in addition to those announced for popular outdoor destinations at Blackpill and Bracelet Bay, which are expected to have new equipment installed and ready for the busy Easter school holidays in April. 

Morriston Park’s play area is getting an upgrade too and is due to be officially opened next week.

Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “During the pandemic outdoor play areas in their local parks were a haven of enjoyment for children and their parents amid very difficult times.

“Swansea Council was there for them during that period and we’re determined to be supporting them still as we emerge from the pandemic. We’re the only local authority in Wales that’s given a commitment to upgrade all its play areas.”

The new generation of play areas springing up all over Swansea feature equipment chosen in collaboration with local communities and range from traditional swings, slides, roundabouts to trampolines, zipwires and climbing frames.

Cllr Francis-Davies said: “The new play area and equipment we’re putting in will be a brilliant boost for children looking forward to a great free day out. We’ve already completed more in places like Gorseinon and Gowerton.

“And there’ll be more to come this year as the scheme is extended to cover additional locations around the city including Mayhill, Uplands, Bonymaen and Llansamlet.”

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Business Improvement and Performance, said: “Our parks remained open throughout the pandemic and it was noticeable just how popular and important play areas were in enabling children to get out of the house, enjoy exercise and a breath of fresh air safely.

“We’ve been inspired by that to dip into the council’s dedicated £20m Economic Recovery Fund to help create the play areas alongside Welsh Government grants and great support from ward members dipping into their budgets.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)