Report on Recreational Facilities in the Pontypridd Area This report is in accordance with data collected from interviews and observations carried out between 1 January 2003 and 28 February 2003. Report on: information regarding the leisure opportunities available to young people in Pontypridd.Report to: The Welsh Assembly Government.Report by: Coedylan Comprehensive School Council.Introduction------------This report was prepared in response to a request from the WelshAssembly Government (WAG) to gather information regarding the leisure facilities available to young people in different parts of Wales. The intent of this report is to provide the WAG with details, information and also recommendations to improve the leisure facilities offered in the Pontypridd area. It is given from the perspective of under 18 years old. It is hoped that this will help to encourage extra funding for such facilities in Pontypridd. Key findings ============= Sport and leisure The school council unanimously considered that there is a definitive lack of sporting facilities in Pontypridd and the surrounding areas. Due to the lack of sporting opportunities, young people are not encouraged to do regular exercise. With rising levels of obesity among young people, reported by both the UK Government and WAG, this will certainly have an impact on their future health. In the town of Pontypridd, including the areas of Maesycoed, Hopkinstown, Glyncoch and Cilfynydd there are no leisure center opportunities. The nearest are Hawthorn (about three miles from Pontypridd centre), Abercynon (about six miles from Pontypridd) and......middle of paper...full facilities on offer. Recommendationsq New leisure center to serve the town of Pontypridd.q Provide new indoor swimming pool in Ynysysangharad park.q Upgrade the Municipal Arts Center and broaden its target audience.q Create or invite professional theater companies.q Encourage younger members of committees to youth clubs.q Improve access to the main library.q Improve transport frequency.q Subsidized travel.SummaryImproving leisure and sporting facilities in the Pontypridd area will bring numerous benefits. These will range from increasing young people's self-esteem, improving their health and decreasing the incidence of anti-social behavior and crime. It will have both a social and economic impact on the area. Investments in today's adolescents will bear fruit in the future.