Three children’s parks in Blaenau Gwent are to be refurbished with brand new equipment this year.
The improvements will be carried out thanks to a combined investment from the Welsh Government’s All Wales Play Opportunities Grant £104,000) and £100,000 from Blaenau Gwent’s councillors through their Members’ Choice funding.
The funding will support refurbishment works and the installation of new, modern, and accessible play equipment at:
- Pennant Street Park, Ebbw Vale
- Brynawel and the Recreation Ground, Brynmawr
The Council has worked closely with local elected members to identify what each site needs, with a focus on early years provision and accessible play elements wherever possible.
This latest investment builds on a series of improvements carried out in recent years, with priorities identified through a review into play facilities in 2019. Wickstead Leisure will be carrying out the transformations, with work hopefully completed by the summer.
Alongside the refurbishments, work is underway to develop a new Play Strategy for Blaenau Gwent, with communities currently being invited to share their views on play facilities across the county borough. Have your say here.
In several areas, play spaces are also being maintained and supported by local community groups. The Council has been working collaboratively with these groups to help secure funding and source suitable equipment, reflecting the cooperative ethos of the Blaenau Gwent Deal, which champions working together for the benefit of local communities.
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said:
“It’s wonderful that all members have come together to support the use of Members Choice funding for these parks, fully recognising the importance of high‑quality play spaces for our children and families. Our priorities are to give every child the best start in life and play is so important for the development of their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional skills. These much-needed improvements will ensure children have safe, fun, and inclusive spaces to enjoy for years to come.”
Pictured is a refurbished play area in Glyncoed, Ebbw Vale.