3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport City Council 'thoughtless' over Parkrun cancellation
The temporary installation overlaps the Parkrun starting line, leading to the cancellation of this week's event and raising uncertainty about future runs until the site is removed in early September.
The park was part of a city centre enhancement led by Newport Now, in partnership with the local council.
While the area is intended for residents to enjoy outdoor leisure, its placement has prompted frustration over perceived lack of planning and consultation.
Runners have voiced disappointment, citing the mental and physical benefits Parkrun brings to hundreds of participants each week. There are also concerns that relocating runners could lead to unnecessary car travel and higher carbon emissions.
Organiser Simon Cawthorn described the move as thoughtless and called on Newport Council to reconsider the setup. He urged the importance of protecting community-driven fitness initiatives that contribute to public health and cohesion.
He said: "Hundreds of people get health and mental benefits from the Parkrun, this action by the council is thoughless and selfish, they have not used due consideration when setting this up and will bring disappointment to hundreds of people, not to mention the impact on the environment when all these runners have to get in their cars and drive to different locations to do their weekly Parkrun."
Despite the setback, both Newport Now and Parkrun representatives remain optimistic. Discussions are underway to find a workable solution before next weekend's event.
The site, while temporarily reconfigured, is part of a much larger public space that regularly accommodates festivals and activities. With some route adjustments or revised layout, it is believed the pop-up park and Parkrun can coexist.
For Simon Cawthorn, the situation highlights the need for better coordination between event planners and community organisers.
Newport City Council says it remains committed to finding a solution.
A spokesman said, 'The Riverfront Parkrun is a welcome addition to the city centre activities. We want it to continue and believe it can be accommodated even with the temporary pop-up park in place as there is a lot of space around it.'
Meanwhile, the picnic area was a big hit with Jayden, his twin sister Ellie, and their friend Kylen-Jay. Asked if they were bothered about disrupting the Parkrun, Ellie smiled and said, 'No! This is more fun.'
Their dad, Lee, enthused, 'We came from the cinema and found this — the kids love it.'
