Plantasia, the rainforest zoo in Parc Tawe, Swansea, have recently launched an exciting new partnership with the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA). As the registered trade union for all professional players in Wales, the WRPA represents and protects the collective voices and interests of all players dedicating their lives to our beloved game.
Plantasia have recognised the commitment and dedication these players are giving to the game and have joined forces with the WRPA to provide unique experiences for players and their families.
This exciting new partnership was kick-started with an evening of Christmas festivities in the unique indoor rainforest. For one night only, Plantasia with their knowledgeable and experienced workforce opened their doors for WRPA members and their families to enjoy an out of hours experience. They had the chance to be up close and personal with the array of animals. These included interactions with snakes, snails, tortoises and even a bearded dragon! Plantasia hosted an amazing night allowing players to enjoy quality family time complete with a special appearance with Santa!
Both the WRPA and Plantasia are very excited about the potential of the partnership. The WRPA’s newly appointed CEO Barry Cawte added:
“The WRPA are grateful to see amazing venues such as Plantasia come on board as partners. They give our players valuable experiences with their nearest and dearest. As their registered trade union, it’s incredible to be able to provide such special and unique opportunities to our members. In a time of recent turmoil for many in the world of Rugby, it’s great to see our players and their friends and families coming together to enjoy this unique experience.
It’s great to see the developments Plantasia have made and the growth they have achieved. To have a partner on board who value the work the WRPA are doing, is another step positive for our association. It provides a great location for players and their families to take time away from the stresses of their careers and to enjoy quality time together. It has proved to be great educational tool for the little ones and for the players!”
Ken Owens, Chairman of the WRPA and based at the Scarlets commented:
“The partnership between Plantasia and the WRPA is very exciting. Having a venue on board that understand the demands of being a professional rugby player and our families is key. Plantasia is a great attraction for all and we’re very grateful for the support they are offering to the invaluable work the WRPA are doing”
Anthony Williams, Plantasia commented:
“It's an honour for Plantasia to partner with such a great organisation and launch the collaboration with a festive jungle event for the professional players and their families. The WRPA, under new leadership, are expanding rapidly with the great work they do, and Plantasia, part of the Parkwood Leisure group, are only too happy to help.”
Editors’ notes
About Plantasia
Plantasia is a popular city centre zoo and indoor rainforest attraction offering visitors a fully immersive tropical experience.
Located at the Parc Tawe complex in Swansea, Plantasia is home to more than 40 different animal species and exotic rainforest plants and offers a wide range of activities and events all year round.
Plantasia re-opened in April 2019 following £1.1m investment from Swansea City Council. The facility is managed by leisure operator Parkwood Leisure.
Facebook: @PlantasiaSwansea
Twitter: @Plantasia6
Contact: Anthony Williams – General Manager
E: anthony.williams@parkwood-leisure.co.uk
T: 01792 474555
About Parkwood Leisure
Parkwood Leisure is one of the UK’s leading leisure facilities operators, working in partnership with local authorities to increase participation in sport and physical activity and improve the quality of service delivered to communities nationwide.
First launched in 1995 as Glendale Leisure, the organisation pioneered a new model of working by drawing upon its private sector expertise to help local authorities improve the effectiveness and efficiency of leisure facility management.
In 2002 the company became Parkwood Leisure and today, is responsible for more than 90 sites in over 30 local authorities across England and Wales.
Its core services include leisure facility management, Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (DBOM) projects under its sister company Parkwood Project Management (PPM) and community spaces management.
Parkwood also works in partnership with government organisations including Sport England, UK Sport and the Youth Sport Trust, as well as a number of sport-specific national governing bodies, to continuously improve the quality and availability of its programmes and activities.
Parkwood operates a diverse portfolio of sites under its ‘Leisure Centre’, ‘Parkwood Outdoors’ and ‘Parkwood Theatres’ brands.
www.parkwoodleisure.co.uk
About WRPA
The WRPA is the registered trade union for all professional rugby players in Wales their to represent, develop, promote and protect members; with Personal Development Managers employed by the WRPA situated within each professional region in Wales; Scarlets, Ospreys, Newport Gwent Dragons, Cardiff Blues – delivering the WRPA’s Personal Development Programme, aiding the players in creating opportunities for theirselves and their future.
Twitter: @theWRPA
Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/company/welsh-rugby-players'-association
Contact: Philippa Hearnden Head of Business, 07879415139, phearnden@wrpa.co.uk