New play pods are being introduced across Powys to help children, young people and families enjoy more opportunities for free, accessible play in their local communities.
The idea has grown from the success of the original Machynlleth Play Pod, developed by the Powys Together project, a scheme funded by Powys Regional Partnership Board to deliver free activities in disadvantaged parts of the north of the county.
The Machynlleth model showed how a simple community resource could bring people together, support local play opportunities and make equipment available for wider community use.
Building on that success, new play pods have now been placed in Knighton and Brecon, with a further play pod due to be delivered to Ystradgynlais at the end of the summer.
The play pods have been funded through a Welsh Government Children and Communities grant.
In Brecon, the play pod has already hosted its first play sessions, where one parent commented: “Wow, what amazing things you have. I can’t wait to bring my children to more sessions.” It has also been used by Brecon Youth Club.
Brecon Play Pod, based at The Uplands, was also used for a special event to celebrate National Play Day on Wednesday 5 August, which was organised by PowysCounty Council’s Flying Start team, Powys Together and Brecon Youth Club.
Further sessions will also take place throughout the school holidays, with the Flying Start team and Powys Together continuing to collaborate to provide play opportunities for local families in Brecon and elsewhere.
Powys County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, Councillor Matthew Dorrance said: “The play pods are a fantastic way of bringing play into the heart of our communities. They give children and young people access to resources that encourage imagination, movement, confidence and fun, while also supporting families and local groups to come together.
“It has been brilliant to see the Brecon Play Pod being used by families, the youth club, and for the celebration of National Play Day on Wednesday, and I’m looking forward to similar events taking place in Knighton and Ystradgynlais soon.”
