RT @EnjoySwansea: Swansea Triathlon takes place this Sunday 25 May, and some road restrictions and closures will be in place from 4pm. Head… (tw)

Youngsters celebrate official opening of their new play area Thousands of youngsters in communities across Swansea are set to benefit from the latest round of investment in the city's play areas. Swansea Council has been hard at work upgrading more than 60 community play areas across the city, and even more neighbourhoods will see their play areas improved in the coming months. And the latest to see an official opening is at Brynmelyn Park in Waun Wen where youngsters and teenagers can all join in the fun. It's all part of the council's ongoing commitment to investing in free play areas, which saw the council agree to a further £1 million for them in the coming year, bringing the total investment so far to £8 million. At Brynmelyn Park, the upgrades have been designed to cater to both teenagers and infants. The teenage area now boasts a combination basket swing/flat seat swings, a junior multiplay unit with high and low play features, and an above-ground carousel. The infant area includes an infant multiplay unit, two bay swings with a disabled seat, a "You and Me" seat, and two cradle seats, a four-person see-saw, a trampoline with drainage incorporated, and a springer. Non-play items such as two steel benches have also been added to enhance the park's amenities. Recently completed upgrades include those at Polly's Park in Foxhole Road, St Thomas, and Ravenhill play area, which has seen a new, safe surface fitted. Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "We believe our investment in outdoor play for children and young people is probably the biggest investment of its kind anywhere in the UK in recent years. "All the experts say how important it is for children to have free access to outdoor play to socialise with friends and family. The feedback we are getting from users has been fantastic and demonstrates what a difference the upgrades make in their neighbourhoods. "It's part of our commitment to tackling poverty, supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis, and promoting wellbeing in all our communities." Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: "Our new generation of play areas are truly inclusive, welcoming children with disabilities to play and enjoy outside areas. "The upgrades for Glais, Fairwood Road, and Underhill Park also feature facilities such as swings, roundabouts, multi-play units, and slides. Polly's Park has also recently benefited from the introduction of a new multi-play unit and a web swing. "This initiative demonstrates our commitment to ensuring communities in Swansea have access to safe and exciting spaces for outdoor fun." (fb)