Save Rumney Recreation Ground & Eastern Leisure Centre

 A “potted” history of the Grounds

• Rumney Recreation ground has been used by the communities of Rumney, Llanrumney, St. Mellons and Trowbridge since the late 1800's/early 1900's.

• During this time the recreation ground has been used for a whole variety of recreational, sporting and community activities including fetes, shows, sporting tournaments etc.

• The fields are 9 hectares in size with 514 trees, most of which are broad leaved, some dating back 200-300 years – they provide a natural habitat for birds, squirrels and bats, not to mention adding natural beauty to an otherwise bland expanse of grassland which is not only deeply appreciated by the residents of Rumney and Llanrumney, but also anyone visiting the Easern Leasure Centre and provides a pleasant view of nature for those traveling on that stretch Newport road, along an otherwise mostly built up road, which has a tremendous calming affect upon motorists.

• The recreation ground is a focal point for local people, sited between two large, densely populated communities – Rumney and Llanrumney.

• The recreation ground is also sited between two very busy roads. Newport Road runs along one side of the field, with Llanrumney Avenue on the opposite side. Each day during the rush hour these roads are heavily congested with traffic.

• Local residents are of the firm opinion that the land was “gifted” to the community by Squire C C Llewellyn Williams, who resided at Llanrumney Hall.

• Cardiff City Council originally rented the ground from Squire Williams for recreational purposes, so that the local community would benefit from valuable recreational space. Eventually the Council purchased the land from the Squire in 1952/54 and appropriated it to the Parks Department.