IMPROVED access to some of our city’s network of much-loved play areas is on the cards thanks to a £200,000 boost in funding.
The council has invested more than £7m upgrading more than 50 play areas already, with more to come in the coming months.
They’re all part of the council’s post-pandemic commitment to residents to create and improve children’s free places to play outdoors and to help families through the cost of living crisis.
Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Upgraded play areas have been a hugely-popular initiative over the last two or three years. Every time we open one we always get lots of very positive feedback and ideas for further improvements.
“Parents and carers have told us that in some places it’s difficult for some, especially disabled children and their carers, to get to the play areas and that’s why we’ve set aside another £200,000 to solve the problem.
“We’re now going to do some further assessments and consult with councillors to see which play areas are most in need of connecting paths so our teams can get to work in the coming months.
“Play should be available to all and that’s what we’re setting out to achieve.”
Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Our new generation of play areas are welcoming places for children and their parents. Facilities include accessible play equipment for disabled children ranging from roundabouts to communication boards.
“By creating accessible connecting paths in places where they’re needed, it means even more children can enjoy free outdoor play.
“Our views are backed up by play charities and other organisations who say it’s critically-important for children’s mental as physical health that they have access to safe, quality places to play and socialise with friends and family.”
Since the start of the play areas programme communities across Swansea have seen investment in areas including Mayhill, West Cross, Garnswllt, Bonymaen, Mawr, Grovesend, Penclawdd and Birchgrove.
