The provision of green open spaces for relaxation and recreation were a fundamental part of the Cwmbran Development Corporation's vision for Cwmbran New Town, with some 131 hectares set aside for these.
Perhaps the most ambitious park, described by locals as ‘an oasis in the middle of town’ was the Crow Valley Central Recreation Ground created at Llanfrechfa. Covering 145 acres (57 hectares) of flat ground, the park contains a boating lake at its south end, a five-acre area of water now maintained with a soft landscaped habitat for aquatic and marginal panting, and surrounded by densely planted trees. Tea rooms separate the boating lake from a series of silting ponds, which, though with hard landscaped edges, are among CDC planted trees and provide a substantial habitat for wildlife. Adjacent to these is a small children’s play area. The natural planting is maintained northwards along the Afon Lwyd, the remainder of the park given over to various sports recreation grounds including the Llanyrafon Golf Course and South Field Community Sports Facility.
S Fielding May 2021
Ref: Cwmbran New Town: An urban characterisation study