Plans to open two new splash pad facilities in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, and Gelligaled Park, Ystrad, have been approved today by Cabinet.
An additional £800,000 investment – from a wider £12m Council investment across a range of priority services - has been allocated for the two exciting new schemes, preparatory work will begin immediately. The splash pad in Pontypridd remains subject to approval by the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park Sub Committee.
The funding will also enable enhancements to the existing Aquadare splash pad in Aberdare Park, bringing it in line with the two new splash pads.
The two new splash pads and enhanced offer at Aquadare, combined with the outstanding National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, and free swimming across the Council’s eight Leisure for Life pools will create a family outdoor water play and swimming offer that is the most generous in Wales.
Officers from the Council’s Leisure and Parks teams are looking forward to sharing the initial designs and plans with residents in the near future for what are set to be two popular and well-used facilities, located in beautiful outdoor locations.
Discussions will also begin between the Council and Friends of Aberdare Park about opportunities to enhance the existing splash pad in Aberdare and its future operating model.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said:
“Today’s approval for two new splash pads in Rhondda and Taf, plus enhancements to the existing offer in Cynon, will allow us to deliver what is set to be the best outdoor water play and swimming offer in Wales.
“The new and enhanced splash pads will be in addition to the hugely-popular National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, the only one of its kind in the country, and the free family swimming offered in school holidays by all eight of our Leisure for Life pools.
“Work to deliver splash pads will also run alongside our ongoing investment schemes in play areas, parks – including sports pitches and associated facilities – and country parks.
“Each of these schemes has also secured additional investment today towards the continued delivery of high-quality play areas and skate parks, exceptional sporting facilities and recreational and social spaces for families and residents to enjoy for free.
“We know there is strong public support for high-quality family attractions and outdoor leisure facilities, and we're confident the new and enhanced splash pads will be extremely popular with residents and visitors.”
“We look forward to sharing our plans and designs with the community as this exciting new project to deliver two new splash pads – and enhance facilities at a third – gets underway!”
The splash pad plans agreed by Cabinet this morning formed part of a wider investment package totalling £12m for priority service areas and improvements in 2026/27, over and above the capital programme for this financial year which is currently being delivered.
The funding has been allocated as below:
Posted on 21/09/2026