An outdoor gym or picnic areas would be popular features for Kilgetty’s Recreation Ground according to a survey recently conducted.

The Kilgetty and Begelly Rural Futures Group is a community initiative established around three years ago to explore ways to enhance local life experience for residents of the area, with the group made up of people who either live or work in the villages.

Earlier this year the group set put forward a ‘Rural Futures’ survey to see what local people thought about suggestions to improve Kilgetty’s Recreation Ground, located behind the village’s community centre.

The survey built upon previous discussions and consultation across the community, which identified the need for new and improved community facilities. The aim is to develop ideas into proposals that will be part of a funding application to the National Lottery Community Fund.

“We received more than 150 responses to the survey, which was largely undertaken through social media to avoid issues associated with the distribution of questionnaires and the spread of Covid-19,” said local community councillor Gavin Thomas.

“As might be expected the majority of those taking part lived in and around the two villages. Whilst more than 40 per cent of those getting in touch were 60 years old and over, we also had an excellent response from those aged between 26 to 60 years old, accounting for more than 50 per cent of replies.”

With the survey asking ‘What type of features (and activities) would you like to see available in the park?’ results found that an outdoor gym and picnic areas would be popular - each attracting more than 50 per cent of votes from those taking part.

Almost as many suggested a central focal point would be popular, perhaps a performance area or central meeting space on the recreation area?

The survey also asked those taking part about spaces for activities including ‘arts and crafts’ and a men’s shed/repair café.

More than a third of all those taking part felt these were good ideas. These activities would need to be housed in an additional cabin within or close to the recreation area.

Other suggestions relating to the recreation ground and additional facilities for the community, were put forward, including - sports areas, additional seating and a designated dog walking area on the open space.

Suggestions from respondents thinking about new facilities were also made for a camera club, music hub/studio and internet/community café.

“We received numerous suggestions around the theme of nature and growing,” continued Clr. Thomas.

“It was recognised that the area is already great for wildlife but it was felt more could be done to make it an even more attractive place for flora and fauna.

“Several respondents were interested in growing spaces, allotments or raised bed with community access.

“Although the views of young people were not necessarily reflected in the survey, there were plenty of ideas for facilities that could make a positive contribution to the lives of young people in our area.

“These included suggestions for a youth shelter, multi-purpose sports area and skate park.

“Whilst we may be unable to obtain funding for this work through the Lottery grant, as we plan to apply to now, these are definitely ideas for the future.

Many of those taking part in the survey flagged-up matters relating to accessibility issues in and around the recreation area, which was an area of concern particularly for those with limited mobility wishing to get onto the open space.

Kilgetty and Begelly Community Council are now undertaking a review of access to the Recreation Area and hope to make some access improvements to the site over the coming months.

The Rural Futures group would like to thank all those who took part in the survey. If you missed out on the opportunity to take part and have some ideas or views you would like to share, then please get in touch via the email: [email protected].

“The group will continue to provide updates on both the funding application and any other work they are involved with,” said Clr. Thomas.

“If you wish to get involved in any aspect of the development of the recreation area with us or join the Rural Futures Group, we would be delighted to hear from you.”