Bryngarw Country Park’s Children’s Play Area Reopens

There is good news for young visitors to Bryngarw Country Park as its popular children’s play area has fully reopened to the public following a major upgrade.

The reopening follows more than £200,000 of investment in the playground, enhancing the experience for children and families, and demonstrating the continued partnership between Awen Cultural Trust and Bridgend County Borough Council to support local communities and the visitor economy.

The upgraded play area includes a new forest canopy adventure tower, a 5m tall climbing net, a new swing set and a dedicated toddler zone.

Bryngarw’s accessible play equipment, including the wheelchair swing, roundabout and trampoline, has been retained, alongside two more recently installed multi-play units, the basket swing, giant climbing rock and natural play equipment.

The work has been carried out by Adventure Playgrounds Wales and Redlynch Leisure, who have significant experience of providing and installing high quality children’s play equipment, including at Folly Farm, LEGOLAND Windsor and the Rudd Centre in Llangrannog.

Bridgend County Borough Council and Awen Cultural Trust were awarded funding to undertake the refurbishment through an All Wales Play Opportunities Grant from Welsh Government and Play Wales.

All paths and playing areas have new shock absorbent safety surfacing, partly made from 15 tons of rubber crumb kindly donated by Murfitts Industries Ltd, the UK’s leading tyre recycling company, in partnership with local environmental charity A Peace for Nature.

A Peace for Nature volunteers, including children and families, removed thousands of tyres from the River Ogmore, and the results of their hard work will now benefit other children and families visiting Bryngarw for many years ahead.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive at Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“We are delighted that Bryngarw Country Park’s children’s play area has reopened, following a significant investment in new equipment, improved safety surfacing and enhanced opportunities for children to play, explore and enjoy time outdoors.

“Over the past five years, we have invested over £1 million in infrastructure and visitor experience improvements at Bryngarw, combining our own charitable investment with vital financial support from Bridgend County Borough Council and Welsh Government.

“This playground upgrade is the remaining piece of the jigsaw in helping Bryngarw fulfil its potential as a shining example of inclusive play and a regional visitor destination of choice. We are grateful to the council for supporting these improvements as part of our ongoing partnership.

“We would like to thank visitors for their patience while the work has been completed. We know the temporary closure has caused some inconvenience, but we are confident the improvements will be well worth the wait. We are looking forward to seeing lots of families enjoying the equipment over the school summer holidays.”

Councillor Jane Gebbie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Wellbeing, said:

"Every child deserves the opportunity to play, explore and simply enjoy being outdoors. Play isn't just about having fun—it is fundamental to children's physical health, emotional wellbeing, confidence and development, and creates the foundations for healthier lives.

“I am delighted that we have been able to support this investment in Bryngarw Country Park, creating a fantastic space that families can enjoy together for many years to come. The new play area reflects our commitment to ensuring that children of all ages and abilities have access to high-quality, inclusive places where they feel welcome and can play side by side.

“What makes this project particularly special is the way it has brought organisations and communities together. From Welsh Government funding and our partnership with Awen Cultural Trust, to the incredible work of volunteers who helped remove tyres from the River Ogmore so that recycled materials could be used in the new safety surfacing, this is a wonderful example of how working together can deliver lasting benefits for our communities.

“As we approach the summer holidays, I look forward to seeing children making memories, building friendships and enjoying everything this wonderful park has to offer. Investing in places like Bryngarw is an investment in the wellbeing of our children, our families and our communities."