Calls have been made for a BMX track, skate park and soft scooter area to be installed at Pontypridd’s Ynysangharad Park.
Councillor Mike Powell, who represents the Trallwn ward on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, has started a petition for the authority to provide the facilities at the park.
It has been signed by more than 800 people who support the idea, which focuses on the area around the former day centre, changing rooms and sensory garden in the park.
The petition says: “We the residents of Pontypridd and surrounding areas call on RCTCBC to install a BMX track, skateboard park and a soft scooter area for toddlers on the area formerly used by the day centre, changing rooms and sensory garden in Ynysyngharad War Memorial Park.
“Pontypridd needs such a facility to give all ages the opportunity to release energy and have fun getting fit.
“We believe that Pontypridd is no different to other parts of the borough and should also have access to these facilities.”
Among those who signed the petition was Ceri Fetherston-Palmer who said: “It would be great for the older children to go. Nowadays everyone talks about mental health, so let’s provide a space for those who don’t have much in the way of a creative outlet.”
Lauren Crown also signed it and said: “A dedicated area for this would be fantastic, particularly given Team GB’s recent success in BMX sports, we should be encouraging participation in this as a positive focus for young people.
“Plenty of adults also skateboard/BMX and i think it would be an exciting addition to our town. With proper management it could help make Ponty more of a destination for people to visit for things to do, and have the knock on effect of spending in the town.
“It is a dead, ugly area of the park anyway and would be brilliant to have a dedicated area for people to use.”
A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: “The council can confirm that no petition for a BMX track, skate park and/or toddler scooter area for Ynysangharad War Memorial Park has been formally received, and has therefore not been fully considered.
“The council has committed to investing in the park – working closely with the Friends of the Park group.
“Throughout 2021, a £1.19m investment utilising Valleys Regional Park funding helped renew the footpaths across the park, upgraded the LED streetlighting, and provided a fully-equipped changing place facility at Lido Ponty.
“This is being followed by a separate £1.9m works scheme, benefitting from Heritage Lottery and Transforming Towns funding.
“It will rejuvenate the heritage features of the Grade II Listed park throughout 2022 – refurbishing the bandstand and sunken garden – and will also provide a new training/activity centre.
“A number of engagement activities and events have taken place, including a user survey which has made clear what those who live locally and those who travel to enjoy the park wish to see there. In the most recent survey, a BMX track or skate park did not feature in the top three suggested new facilities put forward by participants.
“At this moment in time there is no known demand for such a facility in the Pontypridd area, and no club or organisation who could work with the council to deliver it.”
