A part of the play area at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, has closed following vandalism just days after the area re-opened for children.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has confirmed the Chain Works Climbing Frame at Lido Play has been vandalised, and it's been forced to close.
The wider play area remains open and is safe for use.
The Chain Works Frame is quite a big chunk of the park.
All surrounding areas of the park are obviously very busy as a result of it being closed off but people are keeping away from the structure and seem to be socially distancing as much as possible.
Lian Williams, 46, who lives nearby, said: "When we got to the park Tom did say ‘that’s the best bit - I wanted to go on the slide’ but I didn’t realise it was vandalised. I did wonder why it was cordoned off."
The Pontypridd Lido remains closed this year after suffering severe damage caused by flooding as a result of Storm Dennis.
There is hope the Lido will be reopened in time for next summer.
Children in the park are still happy that the remainder of the park is open though.
Bethan Lloyd, 28, from Aberdare, said: “I realised it was shut but I didn’t realise it had been vandalised. It hasn’t affected the day. They (the kids) are just happy the parks are open. It’s been a long while without them. It’s been lovely.”
Council leader Andrew Morgan shared images of the damage online, which appear to have affected the structure of the climbing frame.
A public statement has been released confirming the council is assisting South Wales Police with an investigation following a deliberate fire in the play area.
It comes just says after play areas started to re-open in Wales following the coronavirus lockdown on Monday.
The statement read: "As a result of the incident, structural damage has been caused to Chain Works Climbing Frame, which is now out of use to the public until a structural survey and necessary repair work is carried out.
"The Play Area, which only re-opened to the public this week, remains open, with damaged area cordoned off.
"Anyone with information about the incident can call South Wales Police on 101.
"We thank you for your patience and understanding."
If anyone has any information about the incident is being urged to call 101.
