Cardiff’s beloved Splott Park playground has officially steamed back to life, following a fantastic transformation that perfectly marries inclusive play with a heartfelt tribute to the city’s rich industrial heritage.
This redeveloped play area is now a wonderland of puzzles and games, featuring state-of-the-art accessible equipment and natural play spaces. It’s been thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and exciting environment for children of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy.
One of the most charming new additions is a delightful toddler train, complete with trucks, a station, and tracks. This miniature marvel is inspired by none other than Jessie the Steam Train, a much-loved engine that once proudly graced the park. Jessie, a 0-6-0 saddle tank steam engine built in 1937, was a workhorse at the East Moors Cardiff steelworks until 1965. Instead of being scrapped, she was beautifully restored and gifted to Cardiff as a lasting memorial to the steam era, becoming a cherished part of Splott Park until 1980.
This exciting playground redevelopment is a key part of the Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme, a testament to extensive community consultation and the invaluable input from local ward members. Generous funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund helped bring this vision to life.
Pupils from nearby Baden Powell Primary School were among the very first to experience the upgraded space, and by all accounts, they had a blast! They eagerly tried out the new slide and climbing mound, the wheelchair-accessible roundabout, the climbing frame, swings, and seesaw.
Cllr Jennifer Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “This upgrade has revitalised the park. The new playground is a vibrant and inclusive environment for children of all ages and abilities to enjoy, and the tribute to Jessie the Train adds a lovely historical touch that connects the past with the present.”
Now celebrating its 25th year, the Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme continues to champion local priorities for regeneration, funding crucial environmental and public realm improvements proposed by ward members. With support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and additional Council funding, over £2 million has been secured for projects set to be delivered this year, ensuring a brighter future for communities across Cardiff.
For more details on this exciting development, you can visit the Cardiff Newsroom.
Ibiza Classics is Heading to the Castle: Pete Tong, Mousse T and K-Klass Announced!
Cardiff’s independent pub, North Star is set to close this New Year’s Eve
