Two new splash pads could be created in Pontypridd and the Rhondda as part of an £800,000 investment proposed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
The plans, which also include potential improvements to the existing splash pad at Aberdare Park, will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet on Monday, September 21.
New facilities are proposed for Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd and Gelligaled Park in the Rhondda.
If approved, the Pontypridd splash pad would be delivered in partnership with Pontypridd Town Council and would also require approval from the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park Sub Committee.
For the proposed Rhondda facility, feasibility work, site surveys and suitability assessments would be finalised at Gelligaled Park to ensure the investment can be delivered and provides the greatest benefit for residents and visitors.
The Council will also hold discussions with Friends of Aberdare Park about opportunities to improve the existing splash pad in Aberdare and consider its future operating model.
The proposals are intended to strengthen Rhondda Cynon Taf’s family leisure offer, building on the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty and the existing Aberdare Splash Pad.
The splash pad investment forms part of proposals to allocate an additional £12 million to Council priority areas during 2026/27, on top of the capital programme already being delivered.
Highways and roads would receive £3.5 million, while £3 million is proposed for the Llanharan Sustainable Transport Corridor and a further £3 million for the Cynon Gateway North Transit Corridor.
Other proposed allocations include £500,000 for parks and green spaces, £250,000 for flood alleviation works, £150,000 each for unadopted roads and country parks, and £100,000 for play areas.
A further £600,000 is proposed for Capital Programme pipeline development and delivery, alongside £60,000 for third sector energy support and £25,000 for Streetcare improvements relating to bins.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Cabinet will soon consider these important proposals to allocate over £12 million more across the Council’s priority areas during the current financial year – building on the substantial Capital Programme for 2026/27 that has been delivered since March. This is a one-off, extra resource, that will expand our programme of work in some areas and enable new investment in others.
“One of the most exciting elements of these proposals is the £800,000 investment towards two new splash pads, at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd and Gelligaled Park in the Rhondda. We know there is strong public support for high-quality family attractions and outdoor leisure facilities, and we’re confident these proposals would prove extremely popular with residents and visitors. If approved, Rhondda Cynon Taf will have the biggest and best outdoor water play and swimming offer in Wales.
“This is yet another example of our ambitious TransformingRCT investment programme, from schools and leisure centres to highways improvements and flood resilience projects, as well as improving our play offer with skate parks, multi-use games areas, play areas and now… splash pads!”
