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Welsh Rugby's Tom James to open Parc Taf Bargoed Activity Centre - 13 Awst 2009

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council's Regeneration Department are delighted to announce the opening of Parc Taf Bargoed Lakeside Activity Centre will take place on Wednesday 26th August 2009 at 10.30am

The official opening ceremony will see Wales and Cardiff Blues winger Tom James cut the ribbon and make presentations to the world medal-winning canoeists of Aberfan Canoe Club. The Mayor will kick off the proceedings highlighting the importance of this unique new activity centre as part of the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council's Tourism, and Taff Bargoed Regeneration strategies. It is hoped that the centre will motivate young people to become more active as the Parc also serves numerous sport and activities including Cycling and Walking as it links the Celtic Trail to the Taff Trail.

The Activity Centre will house a new Tourist Information Kiosk and Warden Point, Canoe Store, Toilets and Anglers Store beside the Parc Taf Bargoed lakes. It will enable more events and activities to be held in the parc, supporting the development of biodiversity activities in the parc and encouraging more people to enjoy the beautiful countryside on their doorstep.

The kiosk and warden point will act as a satellite Tourist Information service to the existing Merthyr Tydfil Tourist Information Centre providing visitors with more information on activities in the Parc, local accommodation and attractions as well as borough wide tourist attractions. The Parc Taf Bargoed Lakes will encourage greater use of the lake and weir pools for canoeing and angling activities.

The development is funded by the Heads of the Valleys Tourism Programme and EU Convergence Fund, and will offer the local communities and schools a chance to get involved in new activities. Christine Butler from the local Bridging the Gap Youth Group said: "Our young people have taken part in activities such as fishing, archery, nature walks and volunteers have helped the young people to make fly ties. The children were thrilled to see the fish being placed in the lake".

Jeff Edwards Leader of the Council said: "The support of Heads of the Valleys programme, Welsh Assembly Government,EU Convergence Fund, and Interreg and COLLABOR8 project has been essential to Taff Bargoed Regeneration delivering this fantastic new centre and we would like to thank all those involved. Thanks to the Mayor and Tom James for hosting this memorable opening ceremony marking more outstanding facilities in our Borough."

The activity centre is home to Aberfan Canoe Club whose recent world successes is a testament to their dedication. Members of the club were involved in teams at the World Championships held in Edmonton Canada in 2008. Luke Morris won a Gold Medal as part of Great Britain Under 21's Team. Zoe Anthony won a Gold Medal as part of the winning Senior Ladies Great Britain Team - she also won Gold at the World Games in Taiwan 2009 as an integral member of this team. Recognition must also go to Aberfan Canoe Club's Elan Winter the Great Britain Senior Ladies Team Coach.

Colin Fenn Volunteer Coordinator of Aberfan Canoe Club said: "Prior to the developments on the lakes canoeing events were held at sites across Wales and training was carried out wherever access could be obtained. We now have a centre that will provide a focus for our aim to make the lakes at Taff Bargoed a Centre of Excellence for Canoe Polo and canoeing in general.

"The representation by Aberfan Canoe Club in the Great Britain squads shows the hard work, time and effort being spent to develop the sport and young people in the area. This development has only been possible thanks to the support of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Taff Bargoed Regeneration, Communities First, Canoe Wales (WCA) and Sports Council for Wales who have all supported the club with financial assistance and training at Taff Bargoed Lakes"

Merthyr Tydfil Country Borough Council are inviting all to attend this special event. Having begun his rugby career at Merthyr RFC Tom James represents the active lifestyle the Council aims to promote. He moved to Cardiff RFC with an impressive 11 tries in nine matches. Originally from the Rhymney Valley, with 5 Welsh Caps he has also represented Wales Under-20s and the Sevens team as well as representing Wales in Athletics at 1500m.

The ceremony will begin the day full of activities for the Big V Festival. The festival this year will include football workshops, music performances, funfair, paintballing, rock climbing and caving and will run at the park from 11.00am - 3pm. Communities First runs the festival, in its sixth year with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Countryside Council for Wales, the Summit Centre and Interreg COLLABOR8 Project. Free transport will be provided from the parc to the summit centre.

For further information regarding the centre please contact taffbargoed@merthyr.gov.uk, or (01685) 725474

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