THOUSANDS of pounds have been invested in transforming a play area in the Vale

Vale of Glamorgan Council has invested £180,000 in transforming the play area at Porthkerry Country Park.

New features include a wheelchair accessible roundabout, basket swing, flat and cradle swings, a net pyramid, sensory totem poles, trail equipment and more. There’s also a refurbished rope swing and play boat in the park.

The design is aimed at children aged up to 12 years old.

Following public consultation in July 2022, which saw more than 200 people share their views, the council commissioned Dragon Play & Sports to design and deliver a new play area.

Incorporating the views of the public, the design of the play area is around a woodland and nature theme, which is in keeping with the country park surrounding it.

The council has also recently agreed a new lease for the former mini-golf hut, which has been refurbished and will be opening as a vegan café soon. This is in addition to the refreshments already offered by the popular Mrs Marco’s Café.

Barry And District News:

The park has been transformed with £180,000 of investment

Cllr Bronwen Brooks, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable places, said she was delighted with all aspects of the development.

“This is a very popular location, proven by the positive response to the consultation and the final designs. It attracts visitors from all over, not just the Vale, and is the second of our two country parks to benefit from an upgraded play area," she said.

“I hope everyone enjoys this new facility.”

Speaking at the opening Ruth Zeraschi, aka Mrs Marco, said the people of the area were lucky.

"How lucky are we to have such an accessible beautifully designed play park literally just across the car park," said Ms Zeraschi.