Clydach youngsters celebrate new addition to their park

Coed Gwilym Park in Clydach is already a much-loved community destination, home to a heritage and information centre, a section of the Swansea Canal and facilities ranging from tennis courts and football pitches to walking trails and a BMX track.

Now it's children's play area is the latest to benefit from the city wide £7m play upgrade programme which was officially opened yesterday by Council Leader Rob Stewart.

It brings to more than 50 neighbourhoods around the city which have now benefited from the play areas renewal project, that typically include facilities for disabled youngsters such as flush roundabouts, wide slides, basket swings and communication boards.

Climbing frames, trampolines, multiplay units and accessible equipment for disabled children are all included in the play area at Coed Gwilym that's been a real hit with local youngsters.

 Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: "It's great news that these communities can enjoy free family time together and just in time for summer too."

 Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: "We want to support as many accessible play opportunities as possible in local communities. We made our play areas pledge a council policy commitment because we saw just how important they were to young families and children as a free place to go during the cost of living crisis.

 "Our views are backed up by play charities and other organisations who say it's critically-important for children's mental as physical health that they have access to safe, quality places to play and socialise with friends and family."

 Since the start of the play areas programme communities across Swansea have seen investment in areas including Mayhill, West Cross, Garnswllt, Bonymaen, Mawr, Grovesend, Penclawdd and Birchgrove.