Plan to bring running event to park

A NEW group set up to improve Aberdare Park has revealed it is hoping to bring a park run event to the Cynon Valley.

Friends of Aberdare Park was formed in 2015 to make improvements to the area and encourage the community to make the most of the green public space.

The group has recently revealed ambitious plans to transform the park’s derelict paddling pool into a new children’s splashpad facility, and its chairman Robert Matthews has also revealed plans to launch a regular community running event.

The park boasts a 0.9-mile path, which is used as a motorcycle race track once a year for the Aberdare Park Road Races during the summer.

Park runs are popular in communities up and down the country – including down the road at Pontypridd’s Ynysangharad Park.

That event takes place at 9am every Saturday and is a free 5km run against the clock, where people are encouraged to enjoy a friendly atmosphere and join in no matter what pace they can run.

Mr Matthews said: “We are keen to work with individuals and groups to stage events and activities – one such initiative is the country’s favourite, the park run.

“We believe that this will prove an ideal opportunity to engage with hundreds of people of all ages, whilst supporting the numerous health and wellbeing agendas.

“We have such a beautiful park and we want everyone to ensure that it’s enjoyed by everyone.”

For more information or to have your say about Aberdare Park, visit the Friends of Aberdare Park Facebook page, or email foaberdarepark@ gmail.com.