The organiser behind a community fun day which raised over £2,000 for a destroyed children’s play area hopes the event will become an annual celebration.
Residents descended on Ystrad Mynach Park on Saturday August 6 to help raise funds after the park’s play equipment was set on fire.
Arsonists set fire to play equipment on Thursday June 29, causing around £35,000 worth of damage, before a 15-year-old boy from Rhymney was arrested in connection with the attack last month. He has since been released under investigation.
Around 400 people joined in the celebrations on the weekend, enjoying fun fair rides, attractions, and 15 stalls from local businesses and craft sellers.
Representatives from Gwent Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance with a riot van and fire engine, while dance troupes and a DJ provided the entertainment.
Rhiannon Stone is a regular user of the park with her five-year-old son, and organised the fun day.
She said: “It was amazing, I couldn’t have wished for it to go any better.
“We raised close to £2,000 on the day, and there’s still more to come in. We also had a £250 donation on the day, which was absolutely amazing.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council has confirmed that the affected equipment will be replaced, after securing a £24,254.10 insurance claim. The money raised by the fun day will fund equipment gear towards toddlers.
Rhiannon added: “It’ll take around 13 weeks for the pirate ship and bigger equipment to be installed, and we ran a poll for people to decide what to use the money we raised on. It’ll be going towards equipment for toddlers in the park, so they can play safely too.”
The 24-year-old now hopes to make the fun day a yearly fixture in the park, before branching out to raise money for equipment in other parks across the borough: “In 31 days, I think what we achieved is pretty awesome. I was overwhelmed by the turnout and the support we’ve received.
“The aim is to be able to add additional equipment to parks that are deprived. Every child deserves a beautiful place to play. My son, Jake, smiled at me on Saturday and said ‘Well done Mummy’ and that’s what this was all about.”
Rhiannon paid tribute to the “fantastic support network” provided by the council and constituency politicians Hefin David and Wayne David.
Caerphilly AM Hefin David said: “This is a superb example of community spirit in the face of adversity. Rhiannon Stone made sure that a great many people have worked together to undo the damage done to the park by one individual.
“I attended on the day with my family, and my two-year-old daughter in particular had a great time.”
Well done all involved especially Rhiannon Stone who is an incredible organiser ??? pic.twitter.com/zPWArc80PD
— Hefin David AC/AM (@hef4caerphilly) August 6, 2017