The Arena is opened in Cwm Farm Park, Morganstown
The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at Cwm Farm was officially opened on 14th July 2005 by Neal Ardley of Cardiff City FC, and is designed to provide young people of all ages living in Radyr and Morganstown with an all-weather area to play football, basketball and cricket. Seating and a shelter have also been provided for those wishing to participate or watch.
Detached Youth Workers (funded jointly by Radyr & Morganstown Community Council and Cardiff Council) and the Local Youth Centre undertook a consultation with young people involving the use of questionnaires. Following its findings it was unanimously agreed to tackle issues it identified collectively, involving all sections of the community. In March 2004 the Radyr and Morganstown Young People’s Action Forum was established. It involved local people and became a focus for local residents to discuss issues of concern, particular those relating to anti-social behaviour. Led by Councillor Marion Drake, the Forum also comprised of Community Council, Radyr & Morganstown Association, police, local residents and youth workers and other council staff.
Through regular meetings and consultation, a design for a multi use games area was produced by local young people and presented to officers working for Parks Services. Young people were involved in every aspect of planning and design, right down to choosing colour schemes. Their hard work securing £52,000 for the MUGA and a further £6000 was provided by the Community Council and Community Association for a seating area. The project’s construction was then carried out under supervision of the Council’s Parks Services.
The name ARENA was chosen by the young people themselves.