One of the largest community park redevelopment projects in Wales has been officially completed and opened to the public.
Glynneath Miners Welfare Park has undergone a major transformation thanks to a partnership between Glynneath Town Council, several key funders and support from Neath Port Talbot Council’s Project Development and Funding Team. The £817,860 redevelopment project has created a modern, inclusive space for residents of all ages, and was officially opened by Glynneath-born entertainer Max Boyce MBE and Glynneath Town Mayor, Councillor Julian Bulman.
The new facilities include a children’s play park on the site of the former bowls green, complete with zip wires, trampolines, a rope course, swings, an inclusive roundabout, and a “roadway” designed for cycling and scooting.
Three tennis courts have been fully refurbished, while a fourth has been repurposed as a multi-use games area for football, hockey, and netball. The teen park now features a double zip-line, cone climber, rotator, swings, and a youth shelter.
Glynneath Town Mayor, Councillor Julian Bulman, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see the redevelopment of Glynneath Miners Welfare Park completed. This is a vital community space that has been transformed into a vibrant, inclusive area that will benefit residents of all ages for years to come. The town council is incredibly grateful to all the funders and partners who made this possible – it’s a fantastic achievement for Glynneath.”
Cllr Simon Knoyle – Project Lead for Glynneath Town Council and Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, said: “This project was my top priority when first elected in May 2017. It has taken us eight years for phase one of this ambitious project to come to fruition. I am delighted with what we have been able to achieve with the support of the fantastic community grant funding that has been provided.
“The planning for phase two is already underway and we hope to see progress of that within the next 12-18 months. We wanted to create a legacy, to make this Miners Welfare Park the hub of the community once again for everyone in Glynneath to be able to enjoy.”
The project was made possible thanks to significant financial support from the Maes Gwyn Community Benefit Fund (£395,000) and the Pen y Cymoedd ‘Vision’ Fund (£393,240.10) with additional funding coming from Glynneath Town Council (£13,518), Neath Port Talbot Council’s Community Minor Projects Grant (£10,000) and the Selar Community Benefit Fund (£6,101.90).
Huw Richards, Group Managing Director at Walters, said: “The Walters Group of Companies are delighted to have worked in collaboration with the various partners in facilitating the delivery of this long overdue scheme at the Glynneath Miners Welfare Park.
“It offers so many benefits to so many sectors of the local community, that we as a locally based business, have now been associated with for many years.”
Kate Breeze, executive director of the Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund, said: “It is such a pleasure to see the Glynneath Miners Welfare Park being enjoyed by children of all ages after so much hard work from the town council and its various partners.
“The park is a hub for people in the Neath Valley, but it was in dire need of updating to keep it a useful and fun environment for children and young people. Creating the opportunity to develop spaces that can be enjoyed by a community for generations is exactly what this fund is all about.”
The redevelopment was supported by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Project Development and Funding Team, which helps voluntary and third sector organisations to apply for grant aid and manage capital projects.
Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism & Wellbeing, said: “We are proud to have supported the redevelopment of Glynneath Miners Welfare Park, which will be a fantastic asset for the community. This is a great example of how our Project Development and Funding Team can help secure funding and support key projects in the community.”
The new-look park prioritises accessibility and inclusion, with play equipment designed to be suitable for children of all abilities, ensuring everyone in the community can enjoy the improved facilities.
