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Carmarthen Park facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Carmarthen Park Velodrome 02
Carmarthen Park Velodrome in 2003

Carmarthen Park is a fun place located in Carmarthen, Wales. It has many cool spots for sports and playing, including a special track for bikes called a velodrome.

The Amazing Velodrome

Carmarthen Cycle Track. 1908
A postcard of the park from 1908, showing the cycle track

The velodrome at Carmarthen Park is a very special bike track. It is 405.38 meters long and is the main attraction of the park. It first opened on Easter Monday in 1900. Can you believe it has been used continuously ever since? People think it's the oldest outdoor concrete velodrome in the whole world that's still being used!

How Cyclists Race Faster

A cool idea called 'pacing' was first used here. This is when a cyclist rides right behind a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist helps the cyclist go much faster by breaking the wind, creating a smooth path for them.

Keeping the Velodrome Safe

In 2015, experts checked the velodrome and found it needed some repairs to be completely safe. So, it was closed for a while to be fixed up. After all the hard work, it reopened in 2017, ready for more exciting races and rides!

Fun Things to Do in the Park

Carmarthen Park is a busy place! The big grassy area inside the velodrome is used for all sorts of events. You can find festivals, games, concerts, and even fairs happening there. Sometimes there are pop concerts or brass band music shows.

Activities for Everyone

The park also hosts historical re-enactments, which are like plays that show what life was like in the past. You might even see jousting, which is a knightly sport! Circuses (but only those without animals) also visit. Schools and colleges use the park for learning outside and for team-building games.

Daily Fun and Features

Every day, people of all ages enjoy the park. Young people love the skateboard area, and there's also play equipment for younger children. The park is built on a gentle slope facing south, which makes it feel like a natural outdoor theater. It has beautiful old trees and many of its original features from 1900 are still there. Look out for the fancy iron entrance gates and the old bandstand! Carmarthen Town Council helps manage and take care of Carmarthen Park.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Parque Carmarthen para niños

  • List of cycling tracks and velodromes
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Carmarthen Park Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.