New look Drift Park officially opened
Written by Gary Carr on 03/10/2025
The Drift Park on Rhyl’s Prom was officially opened on 30th of September, with the help of a local school who helped inform the new design of the play area.
The new play area, which has been reinstated and reimagined as part of the nearby Sea Defence Work features a brand new community-chosen design, and sports a new ‘Nautical’ theme, in line with its proximity to Rhyl’s famous beach.
In attendance at the opening ceremony were Councillors for the Rhyl area, officers from Denbighshire County Council, and students from Ysgol Tir Morfa as well as representatives from Balfour Beatty and Kompan UK.
Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport officially opening the new Drift Park.
The new play area has been built with accessibility and inclusivity in mind and features an inclusive wheelchair roundabout, a range of nautical themed inclusive play panels, ocean themed seesaw, and large pirate ship themed slide with accessible stairs. The new park features over 55 play features and can accommodate 170 users.
The space opened to the public in September, and saw a very busy opening weekend as local children tested their new play area.
Outdoor gym and exercise equipment for adults have also been installed, next to the park, which have been built as part of the larger sea defence work project, along with the new Drift Park Play Area.
Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:
“To see this play area now officially open brings me great joy.
The new space is built with all abilities in mind, and the new ‘Nautical’ theme fits in so well given its location.
I’d like to thank both officers and our partners on their work on this project, as well as the local community for their suggestions and ideas. It is great to officially open this new and improved space.”
A spokesperson for Kompan UK said:
“We are extremely pleased with the finished Playground and Outdoor Fitness area at Drift Park, and hope that all of the local community love it just as much as we do, and will enjoy playing, socialising and getting active together here for years to come.”
Andrew Carson, Portfolio Director at Balfour Beatty said:
“We are proud to have been part of the team delivering the new Drift Park, creating a space that is not only fun but accessible and safe for all children and families.
Working closely with Denbighshire County Council, local schools, and the community to bring their ideas to life has been incredibly rewarding.”
Wendy Williams, Class teacher at Ysgol Tir morfa said:
“The pupils love the park and I love the park! The main thing that I like is that the community’s been involved – they’ve been asked what they want in the park and it’s very inclusive.”
