Swnasea’s state-of-the-art new play bus will be on the road early next year.
The design of the new play bus follows consultation with thousands of five to 14-year-olds across Swansea.
Their ideas will shape the design of the outside of the bus. This will include artwork depicting smiley faces, rainbows, stars, flames, dragons, butterflies and features of Swansea.
The inside of the bus will include features such as disco lights and a Karaoke machine.
Swansea Council’s Community Regeneration Unit is behind the £160,000 play bus scheme thanks to funding from The Big Lottery Fund and Cymorth.
The play bus will travel throughout Swansea and will park in communities across the City and County to take play opportunities to thousands of children.
Works to convert the chassis and shell of the vehicle have now gone out to tender and a contractor is expected to be in place by November.
Patsy McCarthy White, of Swansea Council’s Play Team, said: “As a team we’re excited to see the new play bus being built but we’ll be even more excited to drive the bus around as many communities as possible to develop play among children, young people and adults.
“Play not only helps children develop their social skills but it also helps spark their imaginations.
“We hope that having the new play bus will allow us to reach more children and communities than ever before.
“A launch of the new play bus will take place at the beginning of 2010.”
Cllr Alan Robinson, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Regeneration, said: “Many of us will have fond memories of play from our childhoods but the pace of life nowadays means the importance of play to the development of children can sometimes be forgotten.
“This is why projects such as the play bus will be invaluable because they’ll transport fun play opportunities and first-class equipment to children in communities throughout the city.
“Consultation with children was key to this scheme and I’m delighted we’re on track to deliver a facility that fits their aspirations and needs.
“We hope to appoint a contractor soon and are looking to get the new bus on the road and out into our communities early next year.”
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/play for more information about Swansea Council’s Play Team or call 01792 635480
