Friends of Victoria Park in Barry organised the event on Wednesday, June 3, after council funding for planting and watering the flowerbeds in Victoria Park was withdrawn.
Determined not to let the displays fade, the volunteer group raised £95 through fundraising and secured donations of flowers from businesses and residents.
Hannah Gathercole, co-chairman of Friends of Victoria Park, said: “Hearing children and older residents chatting and having fun while planting together was exactly what Friends of Victoria Park is all about.
“Community spaces thrive when communities come together to care for them.
“We hope today’s planting day is just the beginning of bringing more people together to care for and take pride in our park.”
Volunteers were joined by the Barry Rotary Memory Café and pupils from Cadoxton Primary School, making the day a true intergenerational effort.
Children worked alongside older residents, sharing stories and learning gardening skills as they planted flowers they will be able to see bloom for years to come.
One volunteer, Jim Thomson, spoke about how beautiful the flowerbeds were 50 years ago and how people used to sit on benches and enjoy the surroundings.
Friends of Victoria Park say events like these help strengthen community ties and reduce vandalism by giving people a sense of ownership over their environment.
The group also thanked those who donated plants, time, and money, including businesses such as B&M Barry Waterfront, Pughs Garden Centre Wenvoe, Tesco Culverhouse Cross, The Fruit Shack, The Living Room, and Thystle & Bean.
Ms Gathercole said: “When young people are involved in improving their community, they develop a sense of ownership and pride.
“This is how we build stronger communities and help reduce vandalism: by giving people a personal connection to the places where they live.”
She also highlighted the wider benefits of volunteering in community green spaces.
Ms Gathercole said: “In today’s busy world, it is easy to lose touch with our neighbours and spend less time outdoors.
“Spending time in nature and working alongside others is good for the mind and soul.”
Those interested in volunteering can email friendsofvictoriaparkbarry@gmail.com or find the group on Facebook.
