RHAYADER residents are being urged to volunteer their time this weekend and help tidy up a local park that was branded “disgusting” just a few weeks ago.

The Waun Capel Park area in the town is a picturesque spot but has been described as outdated, with children’s play equipment in need of replacing, fencing and hedges in need of repair and litter and dog waste posing a problem.

Locals admit “our park needs some tender loving care” so a volunteer clean-up has been arranged for this Saturday, September 16, from 11am.

Paul Roberts posted on the Rhayader Solutions Facebook page: “There have been lots of observations about the state of the park and they are right.

County Times: A community clean-up day at Waun Capel Park has been arranged for this Saturday, September 16 A community clean-up day at Waun Capel Park has been arranged for this Saturday, September 16 (Image: Matt Jones)

“In many towns significant grants have made some lovely parks. we want the same here but the applications need to show the community are supporting the park. Especially with volunteers.

“So here is your opportunity; come and help us clean up the park. We will take pictures and your ideas of how to improve the park and add them to our application for a new park.

“The pavilion will be open for tea, coffee, biscuits and toilets. Look forward to seeing you.”

Rhayader mayor Rhys Thomas said: “Well done to the park trust and Paul for posting this, there was a significant amount of hope and support to getting the park sorted, reminiscing over how it used to look, so it will be great to see those and others at the event Saturday morning.”

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During August, the declining state of the playpark and surrounding area had provoked debate among residents on social media, with many pointing out that other local playparks are thriving, including a brand-new venue in Llanyre, which was revamped thanks to a grant and the hard work of villagers.

Rhayader marketed itself as ‘the Outdoors Capital of Wales’ in a tourism campaign in the summer of 2021, yet one person said: “The state of the play areas is enough to drive anyone indoors.”

Rhayader county councillor Angela Davies and Cllr Thomas acknowledged the play park issue, but explained they have so far been rebuffed in hopes of attracting investment.

County Times:

The park revamp, meanwhile, can be supported via local people doing their shopping, thanks to easyfunding.

Much like the Albert Hall in Llandrindod Wells, easyfundraising partners with over 7,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice. It won't cost you any extra, the cost is covered by the brand.

Since the early 1900s, Waun Capel Park has offered a place for locals and visitors alike to explore and enjoy along the banks of the river Wye. A registered charity, the Waun Capel Park Trust exists to provide residents and visitors to Rhayader with a recreation ground for their enjoyment.