POLITICIANS and residents have expressed their disappointment that a play area on Rhyl’s promenade was demolished last week.
The Drift Park play area, on West Parade, closed on March 6, and its equipment was removed from the site later last week.
It will re-open with new equipment following completion of work to improve the town’s coastal defences, which is scheduled to be at the end of 2025.
Denbighshire County Council say it was necessary to remove the play area to make way for the construction of an access road at the site.
James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, urged the council to “re-examine other temporary options nearby”.
Dr Davies said: “The Drift Park children’s play area is an important facility on Rhyl promenade both for visitors and residents.
“I understand the need for its temporary removal to allow construction access for the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme.
“I also welcome the commitment to its replacement with new equipment upon completion of the scheme.
“However, the loss of the play area for a prolonged period would be disappointing, and I would strongly urge the council to re-examine other temporary options nearby, challenging though that may be.”
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Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, also felt that an temporary alternative to the popular play area should be sought.
Mr Davies added: “I agree that an alternative place for the park should be sought by the local authority.
“It is well-used and has unique play equipment that attracts people into the area from outside, which is certainly what Rhyl needs.”
In response, Denbighshire County Council explained why no other locations along the promenade were suitable for an access road to be built prior to the works being carried out.
The council also said it considered alternative locations for the play area, but to no avail.
A council spokesperson said: “Closing the play area was necessary as the construction work on the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme is too close to the park to be able to keep it open safely.
“It is also required to allow for construction access to the promenade from the road to undertake the works.
“No other suitable locations for site access were available due to the built-up nature of the western section.
“Alternative sites for relocating the play area were evaluated, but unfortunately, it was not possible to identify an appropriate site nearby.
“The closure of the park is necessary in order to deliver this vital scheme to protect the town, businesses and homes from the risk of coastal flooding.
“A replacement children’s play area, with new play equipment, will be reinstated on the existing site at the end of the construction stage.”
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Cllr Joan Butterfield, of the Rhyl West ward where the play area was situated, expressed her sympathies for the council regarding the matter.
She said: “Wherever the access road was, there would be a problem, so I have no issues with the location.
“It cannot stay in place on a site that will become a busy building site with heavy machinery, and the equipment has to be in pristine condition to relocate to another playground.
“We suggested relocating across the road, onto the green area at the top of Sandringham Avenue and West Parade.
“This land is no longer in the ownership of Denbighshire County Council. If it was to be relocated on this site, there is a problem with the road - the site would have to be made safe for children to play in.
“If relocation was an option, it should be done, but I have to accept it’s impossible to leave it in place, and impractical to relocate.
“Alan (James, fellow Rhyl West councillor) and I have an ambition to see the playground on the prom, when reinstated, extended to accommodate more play equipment.
“The heavy use of this play area sends out the message of what a valuable playground this is.”
Residents took to the Journal's Facebook page to share their disappointment at the demolition of the play area.
Mark Challoner said: “If they have had to do this, then so be it, but why could they just not relocate the park first, either further up West Parade or down by East Parade?
“Whenever I am driving past, there are always people in this park.”
Paul Thomas wrote: “It’s a shame. I saw families there in all weathers; it was used a lot. It was the best play area for children and parents to meet up, (and has been) taken away from the local community.”
Paul Stagg added: “I take my grandkids there all the time and there are always other children there. Where else are the children supposed to play?”
Amanda Gill said: “Surely, they could have made the access road somewhere else. So many children will miss this park.”
David Drage described it as “probably the most-used play area in the area, used by locals and tourists.”
Kay Wilkins added: “I agree with others - why on earth was the play park not moved elsewhere?”
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