{"id":89160,"date":"2024-12-15T22:18:03","date_gmt":"2024-12-15T22:18:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=89160"},"modified":"2024-12-19T20:44:54","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T20:44:54","slug":"how-a-community-group-hopes-to-revive-an-overlooked-cardiff-park-thats-been-plagued-by-anti-social-behaviour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2024\/12\/15\/how-a-community-group-hopes-to-revive-an-overlooked-cardiff-park-thats-been-plagued-by-anti-social-behaviour\/","title":{"rendered":"How a community group hopes to revive an &#8216;overlooked&#8217; Cardiff park that&#8217;s been plagued by anti-social behaviour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gabalfa Park is &#8216;a bit of a no-man&#8217;s land at the moment\u2019 according to residents &#8211; but that may be about to change<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>RESIDENTS are striving to improve the safety, engagement and enjoyment of Gabalfa Park \u2013 a&nbsp;green space that has long been overlooked.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From anti-social behaviour, to littering, to a locked-up playground, Gabalfa Park faces many challenges which members of The Friends of Gabalfa Park (FGP) group are hoping to tackle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The group has joined forces with the Llandaff North and Gabalfa PACT (Police and Community Together) group and local councillors, to revitalise this space. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The park is located on College Road in Llandaff North, bordering the Gabalfa Estate. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has existed as an unnamed space for a long time, but the FGP group have hopes to rename it \u2018Gabalfa\u2019, to form a stronger connection to the estate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c[The park is] a bit of a no-man&#8217;s land at the moment,&#8221; said Shamela Pepper-Grainger, chair of the FGP. \u201cWhy not try to put it on the map?\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAs the chair, I want to make sure that everyone\u2019s needs are represented. Everyone is welcome to use that space, and it should reflect the community.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"244\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-89976\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-1024x244.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-1024x244.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-300x71.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-770x183.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-1536x366.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-2048x488.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-293x70.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-1400x334.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"244\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-89976\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-1024x244.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-1024x244.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-300x71.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-770x183.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-1536x366.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-2048x488.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-293x70.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_111112-2-min-1400x334.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><mark style=\"background-color:#000000\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">What problems does the park suffer from, and how can they be fixed?<\/mark><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shamela shared her main concerns about the park, including the need for improved lighting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;As a young woman myself, I wouldn\u2019t feel safe walking through the park,\u201d said Shamela. &nbsp;\u201cVisibility is very important.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Matthew Thomas is a resident living nearby and told of his concerns.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"857\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-857x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89972 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-857x1024.jpg 857w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-251x300.jpg 251w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-770x920.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-1286x1536.jpg 1286w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-1714x2048.jpg 1714w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-293x350.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-1400x1673.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 857px) 100vw, 857px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"857\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-857x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89972 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-857x1024.jpg 857w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-251x300.jpg 251w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-770x920.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-1286x1536.jpg 1286w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-1714x2048.jpg 1714w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-293x350.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_114216-3-min-1-1400x1673.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 857px) 100vw, 857px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;It scares me to death [&#8230;] you can&#8217;t see anything.&#8221;<\/p><cite>Matthew Thomas<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Resident Matthew Thomas. <\/strong>Credit: Hannah Walton-Hughes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe petitioned to have lighting put in the park a couple of years ago,&#8221; said Matthew. &#8220;It is totally pitch-black. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt scares me to death to think of a young woman walking through that park at night &#8211; you can\u2019t see anything.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Various ideas have been suggested by FGP, including lighting the park\u2019s central pathway. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steffan Webb, secretary of FGP, even suggested using luminous paint to light the pathway in addition to\/instead of lighting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anti-social behaviour has become a real problem in the park, residents say.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPeople tend to park up and run down the field to do drug dealing,&#8221; said Shamela. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And they don&#8217;t try to cover it up, said another resident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neighbour Sylvia Williams, who lives near the park, said: \u201cThey go into the bushes, and you can smell the drugs. They are intimidating when they are in a group.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a shame, when there are so many families round here with youngsters, that more is not done to protect the park from troublemakers.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There have also been reports of off-road biking in the park, creating disruptive noise to residents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"941\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-941x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90031\" style=\"width:371px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-941x1024.jpg 941w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-276x300.jpg 276w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-770x838.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-293x319.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 941px) 100vw, 941px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"941\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-941x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90031\" style=\"width:371px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-941x1024.jpg 941w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-276x300.jpg 276w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-770x838.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome-293x319.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/Screenshot_20241209_175917_Chrome.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 941px) 100vw, 941px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/luu3a\/1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>https:\/\/datawrapper.dwcdn.net\/luu3a\/1\/<\/strong><\/a>&#8211; link to published chart.<br><strong>Chart showing the total number of crimes reported in the last three years, up to the end of September 2024. <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In September and October 2024, a total of 27 crimes were reported in the immediate vicinity of the park, including anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences, public order offences and vehicle crime, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.police.uk\/pu\/your-area\/south-wales-police\/llandaff-north\/?yourlocalpolicingteam=about-us&amp;tab=crimemap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">data published<\/a> by South Wales Police.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There has been a dark cloud over the park since 2014, when it was alleged that a 17-year-old girl was raped in the park by a gang of youths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In November 2015, South Wales Police <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-wales-34811189\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">announced<\/a> that they were concluding their investigation, with no further police action taken.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Steffan said that the nature of the allegation has created a certain impression of the area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steffan said he hopes the group can prevent young people being drawn into anti-social behaviour, by promoting the park for exercise purposes &#8211; particularly for adolescents.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat are the challenges they have got at that age? How much they can drink, how much they can smoke, how bad they can be&#8230;or how fit they are? There are two ways they can go,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf we can challenge them into focusing on how strong\/fit they are instead, perhaps by introducing solid equipment for physical activity, that would be great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe Park Run is an amazing phenomenon at the moment. Although the park is too small for the main run, a Junior Park Run might be possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steffan also wants to see the football pitch improved \u2013 there is currently only one goalpost.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FGP has joined with PACT to set up a regular litter pick in the park and the streets around it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf you look in the dense bushes, there is all sorts of rubbish squirrelled away, because people think- no one goes there, so I can just chuck it,&#8221; said Shamela.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89987\" style=\"width:498px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-1400x1400.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89987\" style=\"width:498px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_112508-min-1400x1400.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Chairs, bits of plastic, and empty packets have all been left in the park. <\/strong>Credit: Steffan Webb.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe three litter picks we have done have been fascinating,&#8221; said Steffan. \u201cKids have asked what I am doing, and I\u2019ve explained.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat sort of conversation and acknowledgement shows that they are perfectly aware of what we are doing there and have a certain respect for that. Hopefully it will be enough to make them put their junk in the bin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89997\" style=\"width:509px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-1400x1400.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-89997\" style=\"width:509px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-770x770.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-293x293.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-585x585.jpg 585w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241211_130227-1-min-1400x1400.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>The Friends of Gabalfa Park have teamed up with PACT to organise regular litter parks in the park. Steffan Webb, left, and Gill Griffin, chair of PACT, right. <\/strong>Credit: Steffan Webb<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There is currently only one bin in the park, right in the centre, and one in the locked-up playground. FGP are aiming to increase this number.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steffan believes there should be bins at the park\u2019s entrance points.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"326\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-89988\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-1024x326.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-1024x326.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-300x96.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-770x245.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-1536x489.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-2048x652.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-293x93.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-1400x446.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"326\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-89988\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-1024x326.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-1024x326.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-300x96.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-770x245.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-1536x489.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-2048x652.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-293x93.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110007-min-1400x446.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:#000000;color:#00ff51\" class=\"has-inline-color\">A park without a playpark<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the central problems with the park is its playground, which has been locked up since the Covid pandemic- over three years ago.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a chain on the gate, the swings have been taken away, there is litter strewn on the floor, and the top of the slide is covered with graffiti.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shamela said the park being closed encourages unwanted behaviour &#8211; \u201cpeople climb the fence, jump in there, and mess around\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"848\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-848x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90000\" style=\"width:459px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-848x1024.jpg 848w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-249x300.jpg 249w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-770x929.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-1273x1536.jpg 1273w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-1697x2048.jpg 1697w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-293x354.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-1400x1690.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 848px) 100vw, 848px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"848\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-848x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90000\" style=\"width:459px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-848x1024.jpg 848w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-249x300.jpg 249w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-770x929.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-1273x1536.jpg 1273w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-1697x2048.jpg 1697w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-293x354.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241209_140616-4-min-1400x1690.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 848px) 100vw, 848px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Gabalfa Playpark &#8211; locked since Covid. <\/strong>Credit: Hannah Walton-Hughes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sue Huckson, a regular dog-walker in the park, said she used the play area a lot with her grandchildren when they were small.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When there weren\u2019t any children using the play area, she used to play ball in there with her dog.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-737x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90008\" style=\"width:348px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-737x1024.jpg 737w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-216x300.jpg 216w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-770x1070.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-1105x1536.jpg 1105w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-1474x2048.jpg 1474w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-293x407.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-1400x1945.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-scaled.jpg 1842w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-737x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90008\" style=\"width:348px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-737x1024.jpg 737w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-216x300.jpg 216w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-770x1070.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-1105x1536.jpg 1105w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-1474x2048.jpg 1474w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-293x407.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-1400x1945.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241208_125708-min-scaled.jpg 1842w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Resident Sue Huckson.<\/strong> Credit: Hannah Walton-Hughes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt is a shame it can\u2019t be used,&#8221; she said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Noting how the playground caters primarily to younger children, Shamela said she wants the park group to work with Cardiff Youth Service in order to give something to teenagers, too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHow can we make them feel that they have a space that is their own?\u201d she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steffan said that the group want to get a ranger to go round the park to see where new trees\/plants could be grown. There has already been some tree planting in sections of the park.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He wants to encourage older residents who use the nearby College Road allotments to get involved with planting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The group wants to get local schools involved, for example by designing a logo for the park, and taking part in events held there.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf there is an activity or event opened by a school choir for example, you are guaranteed to attract a crowd,\u201d said Steffan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\"><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"262\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-90020\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-1024x262.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-1024x262.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-300x77.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-770x197.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-1536x392.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-2048x523.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-293x75.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-1400x358.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"262\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-90020\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-1024x262.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-1024x262.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-300x77.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-770x197.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-1536x392.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-2048x523.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-293x75.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/12\/20241202_110818-3-min-1400x358.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:#000000\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-green-cyan-color\">&#8220;We live in a world that is so fast paced nowadays. Having a green space to be able to stop, reflect and sit still is so refreshing.&#8221;- Shamela Pepper-Grainger<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Friends of Gabalfa Park has submitted paperwork to the council. If it is signed off, they will be able to start applying for funding.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welsh Water has already expressed an interest in funding the group. And other avenues are being explored.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a huge step forward from 2020, when <em>The Cardiffian <\/em>reported that<em>&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2020\/01\/31\/llandaff-north-community-strive-to-revamp-park\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">attempts were also made<\/a> to set up a group, before Covid got in the way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jennifer Burke, cabinet member for culture, sport and parks, and councillor for Llandaff North, told <em>The Cardiffian<\/em>: \u201cIt\u2019s taken about four years to get to this point, but I feel really positive about the steps we\u2019re taking to get improvements in the park.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cardiff Council has earmarked capital funding to revamp the playpark and are running a live consultation &#8211; any ideas for the playpark should be sent to <a href=\"mailto:parks@cardiff.gov.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">parks@cardiff.gov.uk<\/a>, with the subject line \u2018Gabalfa Park Playground.\u2019&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Friends of Gabalfa Park are keen for new volunteers, and announce updates via their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/focrp1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook page.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Residents are striving to improve the safety, engagement and enjoyment of Gabalfa Park \u2013 a green space that has long been overlooked. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1219,"featured_media":89163,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1004,230,14,3],"tags":[8924,8920,1296,8919,231,323],"coauthors":[8793],"class_list":["post-89160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gabalfa","category-llandaff-north","category-longer-reads","category-news","tag-college-road","tag-friends-of-gabalfa-park","tag-gabalfa-2","tag-gabalfa-park","tag-llandaff-north","tag-parks"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How a community group hopes to revive an &#039;overlooked&#039; Cardiff park that&#039;s been plagued by anti-social 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