More play areas coming to city communities

At the same time eight other play areas where equipment has already been upgraded are due to see tired and worn out woodchip surfaces replaced with modern child and weather-friendly material that will keep visitors returning for years to come.

The measures are all part of Swansea's unique £7m play area upgrade programme that's already seen more than 50 communities benefit over the last few years.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: "Every time we officially open a new play area you can see just how thrilling it is for children and just how much pleasure and entertainment they get out of them.

"It's brilliant news for families in Longridge and Cwm Level that they're next on the list for upgrades. There's lots of evident to prove that investments like these lead to children growing up happier and healthier and we're really pleased to be part of that story."

Many neighbourhoods around the city have benefited from the council's play area upgrades that typically include facilities for disabled youngsters such as flush roundabouts, wide slides, basket swings and communication boards.

Climbing frames, trampolines and multiplay units are also often featured in play areas as part of the council's ongoing to get children playing in their neighbourhoods. At Longridge there's also going to be a small sports play area and picnic seating for families. Cwm Level will also boast plenty of play space and seating areas.

In addition the council has commissioned contractors to lay weather-resistant and child-friendly surfacing to replace woodchip and other materials in play areas at Ravenhill Park, Singleton Park Boating Lake, Sketty Park, Cwm, Waunarlwydd, Hollett Road, Parc Williams and Kingshead Road.

Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said the surface upgrades will, in particular, improve accessibility at the play areas for disabled children and families with young children in buggies and pushchairs.

He added: "We're constantly looking for ways to ensure the play areas enjoyed by hundreds of youngsters every day are as accessible as they can be. The new surfaces being installed in the coming months will encourage youngsters to get out and enjoy them whatever the weather.

"We're 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.

To find out more about the council's biggest ever investment in play areas go to: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/9312/A-new-generation-of-play-areas-for-our-children