There’s been a growing wave of comments on social media about the overall condition of Aberdare Park, from general maintenance to overgrowth and facilities. In response, AberdareOnline reached out to both the Friends of Aberdare Park and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to ask what action is being taken. To date, neither has responded.
As the summer season continues and funding continues to be secured for some features — such as the splashpad — we believe the wider condition of this public space deserves equal attention. The community has a right to expect both transparency and upkeep.
Below is the latest press release highlighting recent improvements to the splashpad, funded by a generous donation from Pennant Walters. It’s a welcome development. However, we hope to hear more about the long-term plans for maintaining the rest of Aberdare Park as well.
Fans of Aberdare Splashpad are able to enjoy more activities this summer thanks to funding, which has allowed two new features to be installed.
The new ‘spider’ and ‘frilly lily’ have been installed thanks to a donation of £8,400 from local energy company, Pennant Walters. Aberdare Park has become a destination for a sunny day outing for both local people and those living further afield, and it is now hoped that the expansion will allow more people to join in the water fun.
The splashpad was brought to reality and opened in 2021 by Friends of Aberdare Park who worked hard to replace the defunct outdoor paddling pool with a brand-new facility in the tow.
Pennant Walters first supported the development of the splashpad, providing £20,000 to help install aquatic play features, including tall sprays, Trilly Lilly, Wavy Wand, Spin Splasher, Sneaky Soakers and ground sprays, Misty Mountain, Solo Spurt and Soft Tulip plus Spinaroo, Splash Blaster, Misty Twisty, Rainbow Dome and a Fun Brella.
Philip Rees, Chair of Friends of Aberdare Park, said:
“There is nothing better than seeing the faces of young children enjoying the splashpad on a sunny day and these new additions will help spread that joy even further.
“On behalf of everyone who used the splashpad I’d like to say thank you to Pennant Walters for their continued support to the local area and community. As a charity we are reliant on funding and volunteers to keep this facility open and free to use and without it, we simply wouldn’t be where we are today.”
The funding is linked to Pennant Walters’ 9 turbine 22 MW Mynydd Bwllfa windfarm near Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which became operational in summer 2015. This funding for the splashpad builds on previous donations which have seen the company provide money to support various community groups.
Dale Hart, Managing Director of Pennant Walters, added:
“We are happy that we’ve been able to support the expansion of the splashpad and hope that youngsters will be able to enjoy it for a long time.
“The splashpad has been a fantastic addition to the park and it’s great to see it continue to be well used during the warmer months.
“Our wind energy projects come with community funds that we use to invest in projects such as this and our aim is to bring very real benefits to the communities in the vicinity of our projects, providing financial assistance and expertise where we can.”
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