1.   What is the purpose of the project?

The project aims to improve and refurbish Bulwark Play Park and Western Avenue play park. Funding will support new equipment, accessibility upgrades, safety surfacing, landscaping, and the removal of old equipment.  

2.   How were the parks chosen?

Welsh Government provided grant criteria to the local authority which highlighted how the funds should be allocated and stipulations on time frames. A steering group was set up which included play colleagues, grounds and maintenance, finance and grants colleagues and head of services. These colleagues where knowledgeable in the development of parks, play value and grant applications. 

The current play value for Western Avenue is 25 which is categorised as poor. With the planned development the play value will increase to 45 and categorised as the high end of adequate. This will place Western Avenue in the top ten parks throughout the Authority. 

For Bulwark Park the current play value is 19 and is categorised as poor this funding will increase the play value to 29 which will make it an adequate park. It should be noted that not all parks can achieve good as there are certain themes for play value such as size and location that would be unable to achieve a higher score. You can read more about play value here 

All parks in the council’s authority were rated and discussed based on their current play value, level of area deprivation, level of work that would be needed and if this could be completed within the timeframes identified by the criteria. 

With all of this consideration the two parks identified were chosen.

3.   Who is leading the project?

The project is being led by the sport, play and community team along with infrastructure, grounds and maintenance team.

4.   How will the funds be used?

Funds will support: 

• Purchasing new, safe play equipment 

• Repairing or removing old structures 

• Improving accessibility (ramps, inclusive equipment) 

• Adding benches, bins, and signage 

• Installing safety flooring 

• Landscaping and park beautification 

5.   How much money is available?

Monmouthshire Local Authority have been awarded £128,619.28 through Capital funding provided by Welsh Government. 

Chepstow Town Council are contributing £19,714.55 for a Climbing Net Jumper at Western Avenue which allows children to climb and bounce on the same equipment. The cost includes the cost of the unit, installation and play safety surfacing to manufacturers recommendations. The Town Council are contributing £14,220.00 for a Slide Unity Climber at Bulwark Park. The cost includes the cost of the unit, installation and play safety surfacing to manufacturers recommendations.

7.   How will the project be funded?

Funding has been provided by Welsh Government through their All Wales Play Opportunities Grant -Capital funding for play spaces and playgrounds. 

Chepstow Town Council have provided funding to be able to purchase an additional piece of equipment in each park 

8.   Have the community be consulted about the park design?

Consultation took place between 1st August and 19th September. Two surveys were placed on Let’s talk Monmouthshire, one for children and one for adults. A drop-in session was held at Chepstow rugby club on the 14th of August. Children were also consulted at The Food and Fun program at Thornwell Primary School. 

9.   How long will the project take?

The project must be completed by 31st March 2026 as per Welsh Government funding criteria 

10.   Who will maintain the park once completed?

The park is maintained and inspected by Monmouthshire County Council; whose Playground installation team will be installing the new equipment. Once installation is complete Monmouthshire County Council will continue to manage the facility.  

11.   Will the park be accessible to children with disabilities?

The aim is to create an inclusive space. Funding will prioritise equipment and pathways that support children of all abilities. 

12.  Where can I find supporting documents linked to these developments?

Play Sufficiency Council report 

Full Play Sufficiency assessment- 2025-2028 

Play Sufficiency Action Plan 

If you have any questions or queries regarding the park development project please contact us at play@monmouthshire.gov.uk 

Playing outdoors has many benefits to children and young people’s development and wellbeing. The outdoors provides the perfect environment for them to take risks and allow them to become aware of limits, boundaries and challenges in their play which in turn builds resilience, the skill of risk management and builds confidence. Other benefits include

• Increased motor skills and improved muscle strength
• Development of communication and social skills
• Appreciation for the environment.

Monmouthshire is steeped in beautiful landscape and hidden gems which provide space to play and be active. You can find information on walks and outdoor spaces at (www.visitmonmouthshire.com/things-to-do)

Play is important in children’s lives, for both its recreational value and for the part that it plays in children’s physical and emotional health and well-being and in their personal development.  For children, play is crucial for making sense of the world.

Providing children with time, space and permission to play is important to ensure children’s rights to play is met and this is a priority of Monmouthshire Local Authority

Here you will find information on the benefits of play and information on how you can support play for your children and within your communities.

Playful Childhoods

Parenting. Give it time

Play Streets