Improving facilities and tackling holiday hunger at Gwenfro Valley Adventure Playground

Work to rebuild play structures and improve facilities at a cherished community facility is well underway.

Gwenfro Valley Adventure Playground, in Caia Park, is visited by more than 400 children each year.

To help improve its offering to youngsters the facility has been undergoing works to rebuild play structures and install new toilets.

The works are part of the Gwenfro Valley Adventure Playground’s commitment to providing a safe and engaging environment for children and families.

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd Lesley Griffiths recently visited the playground in Caia Park to see the progress being made and to discuss the impact of the new facilities and the importance of such community spaces.

“Gwenfro Valley Adventure Playground is a valuable, much-loved resource that offers crucial support to the community,” said Lesley Griffiths MS.

“We know the cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll on families and the summer holidays can be particularly problematic as children who regularly received free school meals during term time face a six-week period where the food is inaccessible.

“Thankfully, Gwenfro Valley is helping address the issues by taking part in the Welsh Government’s Holiday Hunger Programme.

“It was great to visit the Adventure Playground and to meet the hardworking staff and trustees. After speaking with some of the families that regularly use the facilities, it is clear the new improvements will make a positive difference.”

A key focus of the visit was the Playground’s involvement in the Welsh Government’s Holiday Hunger Programme.

The initiative, supported by government funding, enables Gwenfro Valley to offer sessions on weekends and during school holidays, ensuring that all children who attend receive nutritious food, including sandwiches and fruit.

This programme plays an important role in addressing food insecurity among children in the area, particularly during times when access to regular school meals is unavailable.

Chair of trustees of Wrexham Youth and Play Partnership, the charity running the playground, Mike Barclay said: “The Holiday Hunger Programme is essential for many families here at Gwenfro Valley.

“The initiative ensures that children in our community have access to the nutritional food they need while enjoying a fun and safe play environment.”

Sessions run during the school holidays Monday to Friday 2pm to 4pm and Sundays 12pm to 2pm. More details can be found on the Facebook page.

For more information on Gwenfro Valley Adventure Playground and the Holiday Hunger Programme, please contact Gareth Venn – [email protected]