TWO new and improved parks in Barry are proving a big hit with local children.

Following ideas put forward by the Colcot Residents Board, specialist play companies were invited to submit designs for the parks, which were then put to residents in a public survey, with a total of 269 people voting for their favourite designs.

The Meggitt Road park has been designed with an educational "space" theme, decorated with boards featuring questions such as "How far away is the sun from each of the planets?", it will also feature signs with QR codes linking children to an educational video and song on the internet.

The park at Dryden Terrace has been decorated with an island theme which cleverly separates the toddler and junior equipment into land and sea areas. A ramp has also been provided to make access easier for disabled users.

And both sites have had picnic tables installed to encourage parents and children to spend time socialising and relaxing.

An event has been organised by the Colcot Residents Board for Friday, May 29 from 2pm to 4pm at the Meggitt Road site to officially open the park.

The Vale of Glamorgan's Operational Manager for Parks and Grounds Maintenance Phil Beaman said: “Working in partnership with the community has proved beneficial to the development of the project and the long term success of the play areas. I look forward to improved wellbeing and active opportunities for all ages and sectors of the local community when using these facilities.”

The play areas were refurbished after receiving a grant from the Welsh Government Vibrant and Viable Places fund.