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The newly refurbished playground now features a wide range of modern and inclusive play equipment designed to provide fun for children of all abilities.

The upgrade includes:

•    A 2.4m high swing with inclusive seats
•    A ladybird springy and see saw springy
•    A sloping balance beam with climbing wall and zig-zag balance beam
•    A dish roundabout
•    A sensory totem pole
•    An inclusive medieval group see saw
•    A 2.4m high swing with four bumper seats
•    A low rotator
•    A ‘Whirlybob’ roundabout
•    A play zone quad climber multi-play unit
•    Impact-absorbing surfacing throughout to meet safety compliance standards

In addition to the installation of new equipment, the project also included cleaning and repairs to existing equipment, ensuring the entire play area is safe and enjoyable for all users.

This latest renovation is part of a wider programme of park improvements managed by the council in recent years, which has seen upgrades at:

•    Cimla Common, Cimla
•    Mount Pleasant, Hillside
•    Talbot Memorial Park, Port Talbot
•    Tollgate Park, Margam
•    Victoria Gardens, Neath
•    James Field, Briton Ferry
•    The Adventure Park at Aberavon Seafront
•    Hopkins Street, Aberavon
•    Parc Siencyn Powell, Cwmafan

In addition to playgrounds, the council has also invested in refurbishing tennis and basketball courts at Parc-y-Darren in Ystalyfera, Talbot Memorial Park in Port Talbot, and Parc Siencyn Powell in Cwmafan.

The council is exploring the possibility of future investment in local playgrounds, aiming to assess how future upgrades might benefit more communities and enhance access to improved play facilities.

Councillor Scott Jones, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said: “We’re proud to see the completion of the new playground at Evans Road in Melin, which reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high quality, accessible, and inclusive play opportunities for children and young people across Neath Port Talbot. 

“Projects like this not only enhance our communities but also support the health and wellbeing of our younger residents.”

The playground refurbishment was managed by the Council’s Project Development and Funding Team who work with community groups across the county borough to secure investment for projects that improve wellbeing and access to quality local facilities. The works were carried out by Sutcliffe Play.