Welsh Government Boosts Children’s Play Spaces with £5m Fund

The Welsh Government has announced an additional £5 million in funding for local authorities to enhance play spaces and playgrounds throughout Wales, ensuring children have better opportunities to play within their communities. 🏆

This investment will allow for the purchase of new equipment, refurbishment of existing playgrounds, and the creation of more inclusive and accessible play areas for all children.

Minister for Children, Dawn Bowden, visited the recently refurbished Williams Field Lane playground in Monmouth, where she met with families who benefit from the improved facilities. The playground has been enhanced through funding from the Active Travel Fund, featuring eco-friendly play areas, new equipment such as swings, and ecological elements like hedgehog houses.

The play area also serves as a Forest School for Overmonnow Primary School, with safe access provided by the Active Travel network.

A parent whose child attends Overmonnow Primary School shared: “We use the park every day after school, it is lovely to let the children play together and decompress after the school day.”

Another parent added: “The park is nice, especially if we are slightly early, then we can use it. Also, at the end of the school day the park is nice to stop off at.”

Minister Bowden emphasised the importance of play in children’s development: “We want a Wales where all children feel physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy and can access their right to play. Playgrounds, such as Williams Field Lane playground, are fantastic places for children to play, make friends and enjoy themselves. This month we celebrate National Children’s Day. This funding will improve children’s experiences and help them build confidence and develop their skills. We will continue to work with local authorities and partners to support our ambitions in improving opportunities to play and promote the benefits of play for children’s wellbeing.”

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, added: “By working closely with local authorities, we’re helping to ensure children in Wales have access to safe and engaging places to play, particularly in areas where families may face additional challenges. Our £5m investment in these vital community assets is more than just improving playgrounds. It’s about investing in our children’s development and wellbeing – and building stronger, better-connected communities across Wales.”

The funding was secured through a budget deal between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. 🌟