But some residents are frustrated at the way council funding is shared out
LLANDAFF Fields play area in Pontcanna has reopened after a four-month refurbishment.
Work started last October and it was reopened last week by children from Llandaff City CIW Primary School.
Riverside councillor Caro Wild, who was at the reopening, said: “It’s brilliant to see the new area opened and so many children already enjoying the exciting new facilities.
“We’re pleased the council has invested in children’s play areas despite money being tight, and also that the council has managed to secure funding from local developments to pay towards the costs.
“We’re now really keen to see the further phases come forward.”
The makeover is part of a city-wide refurbishment programme where Cardiff Council allocated £300,000 to refurbish eight playgrounds across the city.
New phases include accessible play, toddler play, music and education, and natural play.
Children across the city submitted ideas to Cardiff Parks Department on how play areas could be improved.
The refurbishment includes a new central embankment, three large slides, climbing nets, and climbing ropes, as well as new benches and paths.
Councillor Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “We’ve worked closely with children in schools across the city to make sure our refurbishment plans meet the needs of our communities, and we’re delighted to make these plans a reality.
“Children benefit so much from being able to meet outdoors and play together, so this new and improved play equipment is a fantastic facility for everyone to use.”
However, some residents believe wealthier areas are prioritised for funding. Martyn Burston, 38, said: “Here in Pentrebane we’ve always been left out of any funding, and the things we do get are ruined after a few months.
“I can’t even take my kids to the park that’s 500 metres away because it is full of smashed glass or they’ve set swings and benches on fire. I lived in Splott for over a year, and you had the same problems.
“You could probably link the amount of money spent in areas to property values. Personally I’d rather see money spent on schools than playground areas – that’s where kids spend most of their time – but Cardiff is crying out for outdoor areas and investment, so wherever they invest is arguably needed.”
“An already great play area has a makeover, when there are parts of the city with parks that are completely run-down and aren’t even worth going to.”
Parks such as Kitchener Gardens in Canton have not received funding for improvements despite run-down conditions. The last refurbishment was over 12 years ago when councillors applied to parks department backed by a 50-signature petition from local residents.
Steve Chichester, 44 of Wellington Street in Canton said: “I live just off Wellington Street and it would be nice if Kitchener Gardens was brought up to date and have something for the kids in the area to go and enjoy.
“With Canton community centre due to be knocked down and turned into flats, it would benefit the community to update the play area for the kids.”
Others believe that more funding should be provided for disabled facilities.
M O’Callaghan, 46, from Danescourt, said: “Cardiff Council should ensure that all children in the city have play opportunities as it is so crucial to their development. That includes children with disabilities, for whom parks and leisure facilities have had very little to offer for very many years.
“All play areas should be accessible to all children. Having only a few dotted around the city with more accessible features is tokenism at best and further serves to marginalise an underserved group of Cardiff residents.”
