THE US Embassy on behalf of President Obama has written to the people of Rogerstone congratulating them on their new £100,000 play area which opened yesterday (SUN).

Ambassador Matthew Barzun wrote to councillor Stephen Bowen to send “our best wishes as you officially open the new play park at your welfare grounds.”

His letter came just before the official opening of the play park for toddlers and older children, with ice creams on offer for the first 100 kids to show up.

Mr Barzan, writing on behalf of the president, sent the letter almost exactly a year after Barack Obama visited Mount Pleasant Primary School in Rogerstone while in Wales for the Nato Summit.

“The warmth of your welcome to President Obama a year ago not only demonstrated the best of Welsh hospitality, it was also testament to your great community spirit,” he said.

“I am sure the new facilities will be another fantastic asset to your community and the people who make it up, young and old alike.”

He added: “I was particularly pleased to hear that the children of Rogerstone chose to name one of the first roads in your new housing development Obama Grove.

"It is great that the president’s visit has left a mark on the map of Rogerstone.

"Even more importantly, it is exciting that it also left its mark in the minds of the next generation, the children who represent the future of the ongoing special relationship between our nations.”

As well as a play area, a set of equipment has been stationed around the welfare so people can do work-outs like sit-ups and pull-ups.

More plans include setting up permanent barbecue stands and renovating the tennis courts. People are being asked their views on whether they would prefer a multi-purpose games court or exclusively tennis courts.

Rogerstone councillor Chris Evans said the new park was something positive to come from the sell-off of Bethesda Field by the Community Council in 2011.

The sale proved controversial and Mr Evans said he and Tory councillor Bill Palmer, who has since died, came up with the idea of doing something positive with the funds.

“Most of the community were against the sell-off,” Mr Evans said.

“It was so controversial. it was decided the local authority shouldn’t decide where the money went. Myself and Bill came up with the idea of setting up a panel to decide how the money should be spent.”

Local people, including a vicar and Scout and Guide leaders, sat on the panel and decided a improved recreation ground would benefit everybody. Mr Evans said before the opening: “We are thinking of Bill today.

"He was a real character who really loved Rogerstone.

"We were different parties but I considered him a friend – I bet he’s smiling.”