Much-loved play area gets a makeover
A tired but much-loved play area in Morriston has gone through an amazing transformation for a new generation of youngsters to enjoy.
The new-look Heol Tir Du play park opened to its young public for the first time this week and it couldn't be more different.
Thanks to a combination of funding from Swansea Council's Economic Regeneration Fund and local ward members, the new play area boasts 40 new features catering for up to 70 children at a time.
A 4m-tall spider's web, two multi-play units, triple-bay swings and lots of accessible play kit and a new weather and user-friendly surface have completely transformed the site.
The transformation at Heol Tir Du is the latest step in revitalising council-owned play areas in the city.
Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said the new play area was just what local people had been calling for.
He said: "It's brilliant to see the new play area. It's colourful, exciting and offers endless amounts of opportunities for youngsters to play and have fun with their friends, just in time for the October half-term.
"At a time when there's a cost-of-living crisis on, the new play area is a great way for families and friends to get together for free activity and play. That's why seating and litter bins have been included.
"It's very much a destination for local people and we're sure they'll look after it."
Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said Heol Tir Du was just the latest in a long line of upgrades completed and still to come.
He said: "During the pandemic we noticed how important play areas were as a focal point for local communities. We wanted to encourage youngsters, their parents and carers to continue to enjoy free, outdoor activity that's good for health and great for wellbeing too.
"So far more than 40 play areas we look after across the city have got an upgrade. We want to reassure youngsters and their parents that there are still more to come in the coming months, right across the city from Maesteg Park and Swansea Point in the east to Dunvant Park and Ynysnewydd Park in the west."
To find out more about the new generation of community play areas in Swansea go to: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/newplaygrounds