Almost £3 million is set to be invested in Rhondda Cynon Taf’s parks, play areas and associated facilities, protecting and improving the beautiful open spaces.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council runs almost 100 parks and over 215 play areas across the county borough and has a significant ongoing investment programme to ensure they are maintained at the highest possible level.
It is council priority for residents of all ages to have access to good quality, well-maintained spaces – from families with young children who enjoy the fresh air, picnics and play areas to walkers, joggers and sports players who use courts and changing rooms.
As well as visible improvements, such as new play area equipment, paths, resurfacing, fences and gates the investment will also enable the “behind the scenes” work such as drainage, safety works and wall repairs, along with the installation of measures to prevent unauthorised access to parks.
Some 18 play areas, 2 new Multi Use Games Areas, 2 Skate Parks and around 60 parks improvement projects are included in the programme of works for the coming year, with more information to follow as the schemes progress.
The £2.9m recently committed to play, parks and sports investment will be used to:
- Renew and replace play equipment in play areas, including play units, swings, roundabouts and more.
- Construction of two new Multi-Use Game Areas
- Renewal of two Skate Parks
- Resurfacing play areas and installing or replacing fencing to keep our youngest residents safe
- Painting of fences, gates and parks buildings to keep parks looking clean and fresh
- Creation of new paths to help visitors make their way around the spaces, as well as repair and resurfacing of others.
- Rebuilding of walls and culverts
- Replacing cladding and doors in parks buildings
- Improving changing rooms
- Drainage
Cllr Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “Our parks and play areas are important to our communities, especially as we approach a season of school holidays and, hopefully, good weather.
“We want people to be able to enjoy our parks in whatever way they choose – through play, picnics, a peaceful place to read, a walking spot, a sports venue or just an open space to relax, enjoy and be mindful.
“The Council and its dedicated parks teams put a lot of work into achieving this and our investment programme will continue steady improvements year on year. The recent confirmation of a further £2.9m to the ongoing investment programme is testament to that commitment.
“This new investment will be used to deliver improvements over the coming year and we look forward to keeping communities up to date on the work as it progresses. “
