Welsh First Minister, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, officially opened a new Multi-Use Games Area with adjacent Skateboarding zone on the site of disused tennis courts totally transformed by play experts Wicksteed Playscapes.
Originally funded by The Miners Welfare back in the 1940s, the tennis courts in Cwmllynfell Park, Neath, had fallen into disuse over the years and needed complete rejuvenation.
Wicksteed created two zones incorporating their Wildcats Premier Ballcourt and separate Skateboarding area. A Steel Cableway has also been installed alongside the sport areas giving visitors the thrilling opportunity of zipping along on a fast-moved suspended slide. A huge range of outdoor activities can now be thoroughly enjoyed by the whole community on the revitalised site.
Cwmllynfell Community Council worked hard to help realise the project but two people in particular should perhaps be singled out in recognition of their input; Paul Hinder and Chris Munroe from Neath Port Talbot Borough Council. Paul and Chris handled virtually all the paperwork required to generate the substantial grants subsequently awarded the scheme from the Welsh Government and WREN.
Minister Jones, who unveiled a special plaque to mark the occasion, had particular interest in the refurbishment of this part of the park as his family hails from the local area of Gwaun cae Gurwen.
Children were out in force with their scooters and skateboards and hurtled round the skateboard park, despite some rather damp weather. A spot of rain didn't put others off either who were seen enthusiastically playing a myriad of different ballgames on the durable EcoFleck surfacing.
