Dedicated local volunteers who give up their time for free to enhance a park in Swansea have secured almost £100k to provide new facilities and make improvements.
The Friends of Primrose Park has successfully applied to WREN for funding for a multi-use game area including an all-weather sports surface, a walking and exercise trail, a double cableway zip slide and landscaping improvements.
The new facilities will provide activities for people of all ages from Llansamlet and help the Friends continue to grow the number of visitors to the park.
The community group, which was set up by local residents two years ago, has lead the way in establishing a partnership with Swansea Council to benefit the park.
The Primrose Park land was gifted to the council as a part of the Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria in 1897.
Thanks to the volunteers the park already has a new fit for purpose children’s play area that has replaced the old dilapidated one, a raised bed sensory garden and family picnic area, plus new displays of flowers and shrubs where previously there were none.
The Friends group has conducted a survey, met with residents and held a public meeting to find out what people would like to see next.
After securing some match funding from the local ward members from Swansea Council they then applied to WREN, who administer the FCC Community Action Fund to benefit projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Adil Pirmohamed, from The Friends of Primrose Park, said:
“We are delighted our bid for funding has been successful and are very grateful to WREN, our local ward councillors who have been instrumental in this success and Swansea Council who have supported our application.
“This is about people of all backgrounds and ages, who have never previously met, coming together and giving up their free time to make a real difference to people’s lives and the local community.
“We want to make Primrose Park a welcoming place for the whole of the community where people can come together to enjoy, to exercise and to lean and play.
“Once the work is complete it will benefit existing users and encourage new people to visit.”
Cllr Mark Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment Services, paid tribute to the volunteers.
He added: “Friends groups are playing a vital role in developing and improving community facilities across Swansea and those who give up their time at Primrose Park are an inspiration.
“I would also congratulate the ward members for supporting this project with their ward allowances.
“This project will have a huge impact on the local community bringing approximately 0.8 acres of land into more active and productive use.
“It will benefit those wanting to walk and enjoy the green space of the park, families who want to be more active with their children and teenagers who will have new amenities.”
Richard Smith, WREN’s grant manager for Wales, says: “We’re delighted to be supporting the new play and recreational facilities at Primrose Park. The project is a great example of a strong and committed friends group and local authority working together to bring lasting improvements for the community.”
