The decision by Cardiff Council to remove a much-loved children’s sports facility in Hailey Park, Llandaff North, has sparked backlash from the local community. Parents in the area were left frustrated by the announcement earlier this month that the multi-use games area (MUGA) would be taken down following a noise complaint. The move would leave children in Llandaff North with no free recreational activities, prompting an outpouring of public criticism.
In response to the community’s concerns, the city council has now decided to revisit the closure plan and engage with local residents to find a solution. A public meeting was held on Sunday evening, chaired by Paul Rock, a Llandaff-North resident and treasurer of the Friends of Hailey Park group. Over 100 people attended the meeting, highlighting the significance of the MUGA in the park.
Various ideas were discussed during the meeting to address the noise issue, including building a new MUGA, relocating the current facility, erecting a wall between the MUGA and houses, or adding a softer surface to the football goals. Paul Rock expressed concerns about a new facility potentially alienating the local community and emphasized the current MUGA’s popularity among children.
Residents like John Bennet, a father in Llandaff North, shared their dismay over the possible closure of the facility, describing it as a vital space for children’s outdoor play. Suggestions such as installing a green wall to mitigate noise pollution were put forward as simpler and cost-effective alternatives to removing the MUGA entirely.
The removal of the basketball hoops in 2019 due to a similar complaint has compounded residents’ frustrations, leading them to defend their children’s right to outdoor recreation. Cardiff Council has acknowledged the public outcry and stated that they are exploring options to address the community’s concerns while ensuring that play and sports amenities remain accessible in the park.
Councillors Dilwar Ali and Jennifer Burke reiterated the council’s commitment to actively involve the local community in decision-making processes regarding the MUGA’s future. The emphasis is on finding a resolution that caters to the needs of the entire community and prevents any loss of recreational opportunities for residents.
As discussions continue, the council remains dedicated to finding a suitable mitigation plan that preserves the MUGA’s importance to Llandaff North residents. The engagement with the local community will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome, with proposals set to be presented in the coming weeks. The ongoing dialogue between the council and residents reflects a collaborative effort to uphold the community’s interests and ensure that children can continue to enjoy the sports facilities in Hailey Park.