A recent Welsh Government report has shed light on the conditions of play parks in Cardiff, revealing issues such as broken glass, rubbish, and dog excrement. The Play Sufficiency Assessment conducted by the Welsh Government indicated that while there were many positive aspects to Cardiff’s play areas, there were still notable areas for improvement. The report highlighted the significant opportunities for babies, children, and young people to engage in play activities in the city.
The report detailed findings from the Big Play Survey, which gathered responses from 743 children between October and November 2024. Shockingly, 267 out of 624 children referred to encountering rubbish, broken glass, and dog mess as major concerns in their outdoor play spaces. Despite Cardiff’s recognition as the first UK city to achieve UNICEF Child Friendly City status, the report emphasised the need for continual enhancements and development in the provision of play opportunities.
One of the key areas identified for improvement was the support for children with diverse needs to access meaningful play experiences. According to the Big Play Survey, children with disabilities expressed a preference for playing in familiar environments such as homes and gardens. The report commended Cardiff Council for its progress in fulfilling its duty to safeguard play services and ensuring equitable access to play opportunities, especially for vulnerable children.
Moreover, the report highlighted Cardiff’s achievements, including securing UNICEF Child Friendly City status and collaborating on a local development plan (LDP) play policy with the Child Friendly City Team and the parks and planning department. The replacement LDP play policy is slated for review by the cabinet and council in January 2025, with plans for public consultation in February 2025.
Since July 2014, Welsh local authorities have been mandated to assess and provide adequate play opportunities for children within their jurisdiction. Cardiff Council’s cabinet members are scheduled to convene to discuss the outcomes of the Play Sufficiency Assessment on Thursday, March 20. This meeting aims to address the identified areas for improvement and strategize future actions to enhance play spaces in the city for all children.
The comprehensive report underlines the importance of creating safe, accessible, and engaging play environments for children in Cardiff. It recognises the efforts made thus far while emphasising the continuous need for enhancements to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities to play and thrive. Cardiff’s commitment to developing play facilities that cater to the needs of its young residents reflects a broader dedication to fostering a child-friendly city environment.
In conclusion, the findings of the Welsh Government’s report provide valuable insights into the state of play areas in Cardiff and serve as a call to action for sustained improvements in creating inclusive and stimulating play spaces for children. By addressing issues such as broken glass, rubbish, and dog excrement, Cardiff can further its reputation as a leading Child Friendly City and ensure that all children have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in safe and welcoming environments.