Gaining on the swings – and the roundabouts

Mar 19 2008 by David James, South Wales Echo

Gaining on the swings – and the roundabouts

ALL playgrounds in Cardiff are set to be given a 21st-Century facelift.

Work has begun on a three-year project to give a new lease of life to tired swings and climbing frames across the city.

To cushion the rough and tumble of boisterous youngsters, modern safety surfacing will also replace worn-out rubber tiles.

In the first year, more than £350,000 will be spent on 11 play areas across the city. That work is expected to be finished within a fortnight and planning has already begun for the next phases of the project in 2009 and 2010.

Nigel Howells, the city council’s executive member for culture, leisure and parks, said the decision to invest in play areas had followed a strategic review.

He said: “The council is investing a substantial sum of money over the next three years to ensure the city benefits even more from its parkland and green space.”

All the work is being carried out by a single playground manufacturer, SMP Playgrounds, which saw off competition from 20 rivals to win the three-year contract.

Across the city, equipment is being replaced with similar but updated models. Extra seats and bins are being provided and in some areas more adventurous units for older children are being installed.

The play area at Helen Street, Adamsdown, has been extended to include a new fitness trail for children and adults. Coun Howells said the partnership with SMP would help the council manage the budget more efficiently, meaning more money would be spent directly on playgrounds and parkland.

SMP’s Leon Wilson said the company had consulted residents to ensure the playgrounds were what they wanted.

He said: “We’re planning to install eye-catching equipment which, for some areas, will be the first of their type. We believe the recreational space delivered by this project will be something for residents to be proud of.”

Debbie O’Brien, who was playing in Victoria Park yesterday with her son Jake, four, eyed up the nearly-completed playground optimistically. She said: “It all looks pretty impressive.”

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david.james@mediawales.co.uk