Thousands set to enjoy re-vamped play areas

Thanks to Swansea Council's £5m play area fund, popular outdoor destinations at Blackpill, Bracelet Bay, Singleton Park, Victoria Park and elsewhere are getting extra facilities for children to enjoy.

Singleton Park and Victoria Park have already had their makeovers and Blackpill and Bracelet Bay are expected to have their new equipment ready to use in time for April's busy Easter school holidays and which traditionally heralds the start of the tourism season .

Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: "Blackpill Lido is already one of our most popular free destinations for Swansea families and visitors from further afield.

"The new play area and equipment we're putting in will be a brilliant boost for children? looking forward to a free day out. New equipment to be installed in the coming weeks includes swings, slides, roundabouts and a train-themed climbing unit.

"Bracelet Bay is also extremely popular and the new play area there will be a great new addition to what's currently on offer as it'll include a ship-themed climbing zone, a springer see-saw and lots more."

Singleton Park's play area near the boating lake has already had its upgrade, as has nearby Victoria Park, which is also due to get some extra skate facilities in the coming months.

The upgrades are all part of Swansea Council's ambitious £2.5m fund for play areas that aims to improve or create play areas for communities across Swansea. Lots have already been completed in places like Gorseinon, Grovesend, Penlan and Birchgrove

And there'll be more to come this year as the scheme is extended to as many as 80 locations around the city including Mayhill, Uplands, Bonymaen and Llansamlet.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Business Improvement and Performance, said: "Throughout the pandemic Swansea Council has been there for the people of Swansea. As we emerge from it, we'll continue to support our communities and city families.

"Our parks remained open throughout the pandemic and it was noticeable just how popular and important play areas were in enabling children to get out of the house, enjoy exercise and a breath of fresh air safely.

"We've been inspired by that to dip into the council's dedicated? £20m Economic Recovery Fund to help create the play areas alongside Welsh Government grants and great support from ward members dipping into their budgets."

To find out more about the new generation of play areas being created in Swansea go to https://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/9312/A-new-generation-of-play-areas-for-our-children