Newport Councillor spearheads play park upgrade

A popular children's play park in Newport is undergoing a major refurbishment — thanks in large part to the efforts of local Councillor Sarah Syrda, who has championed the project and secured the funding.

The playground, located off Ploughmans Croft, is currently being upgraded to create a more welcoming and enjoyable environment for local families. The extensive work is the result of months of planning and collaboration, led by Syrda in partnership with the play and recreation infrastructure team at Telford & Wrekin Council.

Cllr Syrda, who has  been working  closely with the play and recreation infrastructure officer at Telford & Wrekin Council, and has allocated a portion of her 2024/25 Councillor’s Pride funding to the project, said she was thrilled to see the improvements taking shape.

“I’m delighted that work is well underway on the play park improvements,” she said during a recent site visit. “It’s so rewarding to see these changes finally being brought to life for our community.”

Thanks to Cllr Syrda’s initiative, both swing bay frames have been freshly painted, giving the equipment a new lease on life. A damaged net bridge—long overdue for removal—has been taken down due to wear and tear, and will be replaced with a new chain unit to ensure a safer play experience for children. Plates have been installed to prevent children accessing the bridge until the new unit is installed.

Other improvements include repainting and realigning the black access fence near the entrance gate, which had sustained minor damage over time. Vegetation around the park has also been trimmed back to create a more open and inviting space for children and parents alike.

Cllr Syrda emphasized the importance of investing in community spaces, noting that the upgrades are only the beginning of a broader plan for the area.

“It’s a privilege to see these positive changes happening in our community,” she said. “Our parks should be safe, vibrant places where children can play and families can come together. I look forward to sharing more updates as work continues.”

To celebrate the progress, local families are invited to a Teddy Bears Picnic on August 31, from 12pm to 2pm, where residents can enjoy the revitalized park, share their thoughts on the improvements, and discuss ideas for future enhancements.