Cardiff Council intends to protect four of the city’s most popular public recreational spaces for future generations as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations this year.
The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge organised by the Fields in Trust (FIT) charity aims to safeguard hundreds of outdoor recreational spaces in perpetuity for future generations in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee and as a permanent tribute to The Queen. The initiative aims to encourage local authorities to dedicate playing fields, parks, children’s play areas and woodland areas to ensure long term protection and to provide a legacy for the jubilee.
Cardiff Council will nominate the following four recreational grounds from across the city; Roath Recreation Ground, Rumney Recreation Ground, Pontcanna Fields and Wilson Road Recreation Ground in Ely. The Council will enter a deed of dedication with the FIT which will hold the sites in trust status for at least 100 years.
FIT protects recreational areas through legal means by placing covenants on the land, meaning they have to remain in recreational use forever. Its aim is to safeguard existing recreational space for the future.
Cllr Neil McEvoy, Deputy Leader of the Council said “The Council recognises how important these recreational spaces are to Cardiff’s resident and visitors. This is a wonderful opportunity to safeguard community facilities that will not only benefit people today but also generations to follow. Protecting and encouraging greater use of local parks and playing fields is vital to achieving our goal of making Cardiff a great place to live work and play.”
Cllr Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport Leisure and Culture said “Cardiff is fortunate to have so many public spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. Access to outdoor space is essential for communities and plays an important role in providing a place for both physical activity and relaxation which is of much value to everyone. Safeguarding these areas in our city means they will continue to play an important role in the quality of life within the local area.”
