Overview
Parc Clwyd is an ambitious regeneration programme based in Ruthin, North Wales. Part-funded by Sports Wales, it transforms a large, underutilised greenspace into a vibrant, inclusive destination for active travel, wellbeing, and environmental appreciation.
Led by V4 Services on behalf of Ruthin Town Council, the programme is shaped through regular consultation with councillors, officers, and a formal working group. The project addresses long-standing gaps in connectivity, accessibility, and intergenerational opportunity - while offering a clear framework for ongoing growth, sustainability, and celebration.
The Challenge: Project Goals
To reimagine Cae Ddol Park and adjacent greenspaces into a multifunctional, low-carbon destination that supports inclusive wellbeing, active lifestyles, and local pride.
Key Outcomes:
- Enable safe, accessible walking and cycling routes that connect key local assets
- Deliver new public infrastructure (e.g. gym, wheeled sports, boules)
- Create a more inviting, flexible park layout by removing or relocating existing equipment
- Activate public space through events and visibility
- Embed community and council ownership and long-term stewardship
- Attract additional investment and in-kind contributions
The Solution
Governance-Led Delivery and Councillor Engagement
Early community consultation had already identified high-level themes for the park. Building on this, V4 coordinated:
- A formal working group made up of Ruthin Town Councillors and key stakeholders
- A delivery model with transparent reporting to Full Council and the Amenities Committee
- Regular progress updates, site visits, and procurement coordination
- Open communication that allowed new ideas (e.g. a boules pitch, offered by a local business) to be considered and incorporated
This model balanced community input with clear governance oversight - ensuring deliverability and alignment with local priorities.
Infrastructure and Design
The project delivers:
- A wheeled sports facility for scooters, skateboards, and BMX
- Outdoor gym equipment designed to be inclusive and accessible
- New walking and cycling routes linking to wider Ruthin networks
- Tree planting, habitat improvements, and sensory features
- Storytelling interpretation and public seating including a restored metal and fibreglass Hobby Horse Bench
- A boules pitch, donated by a local business - a valuable example of external enthusiasm and added value
- Relocation and/or removal of existing equipment to create a more appealing, open park layout for varied user needs
Through project co-ordination, V4 has led the full procurement process, ensuring quality, value-for-money and local benefits across multiple areas of Ruthin:
- Outdoor gym equipment
- Cycle infrastructure
- Public realm canopies
- Street furniture and additions distributed across the town
Events, Economy, and Legacy Activation
Year-Round Events Programming - Designed the project to include a calendar of events that reflect Ruthin’s community spirit and existing venues:- Outdoor festivals, wellbeing walks, and nature-based challenges
- Celebrations tied to milestones in delivery or civic anniversaries
- Activities based at The Old Court House, Cae Ddol Park, and the new trails
- A visible legacy piece in the form of the restored Hobby Horse, used in competitions and branding
These events promote usage, attract visitors, and provide opportunities for celebration and connection.
Local Economy and Sponsorship Culture
Developed and managed local commercial units as part of his wider regeneration approach - a model that encourages:
- Footfall and local spending
- Pop-up opportunities for food, events, and services
- Partnership working between local firms, council, and housing
- A growing culture of “togetherness working” where sponsorship, donation, and shared ownership become embedded
Evaluation and Measurable Impact
To ensure the project continues to evolve and remain responsive:
- Resident and visitor surveys are being carried out to assess satisfaction and inform future phases
- Ongoing feedback from councillors and local groups ensures delivery remains aligned
- Health and wellbeing metrics, environmental indicators, and participation data will be used to track long-term success
- Council-led communications promote visibility and showcase Ruthin as a town of innovation and inclusion
Key Successes
Social and Civic Impact:
- Created strong buy-in from councillors and the community
- Attracted new partners (e.g. boules pitch sponsor)
- Strengthened Ruthin’s identity as a place that listens, adapts, and grows
- Celebrated intergenerational opportunity and civic imagination
Environmental and Health Impact:
- New routes that support walking, cycling, and active travel
- Improved biodiversity and use of native planting
- Inclusive gym equipment and sport areas supporting all age groups
- Improved park layout through equipment reconfiguration
Economic and Strategic Outcomes:
- Increased potential for local business growth and event activation
- Culture of sponsorship and in-kind support
- Growing role for Ruthin as a destination town in the region
- Established a replicable framework for future town-led regeneration
To find out how V4 Services can help you with your next project, please get in touch.
