Seaside community's new play area gets a nautical launch

Swansea Council and Llanrhidian Higher Community Council have joined forces to do a £120,000 upgrade for Penclawdd's much-loved local play area and it's now just been officially opened by Council Leader Rob Stewart in time for the summer holidays.

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.

Apart from the large multi-play pirate ship and an inclusive roundabout the upgraded play area also includes junior and toddler swings, a zipwire a 4.5m pyramid net and a toddlers' fishing boat.

 Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: "The council is continuing with its commitment all over Swansea to support local people through the cost of living crisis with free outdoor play opportunities.

"It's great news that now families in Penclawdd can enjoy free family time together and just in time for summer too."

Paul Tucker, chair of Penclawdd Community Council said: "It's great to be joining up with Swansea Council to develop this brilliant upgrade for local families to enjoy for free all year round.

"Apart from the play equipment we've also added safe-play flooring and matting and benches made from recycled materials to add to visitors overall enjoyment."

 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.

 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