Flintshire pupils take a stand for safer play areas

Pupils from Ysgol Mynydd Isa have taken proactive steps to tackle the ongoing issue of dog fouling in play areas.

As part of a collaborative initiative involving Ysgol Mynydd Isa, Argoed Community Council, Flintshire County Council and Keep Wales Tidy, children were invited to participate in a creative poster competition around the theme ‘dogs outside, kids inside’.

The aim was to design clear, respectful and visually striking signs encouraging dog owners to keep pets out of the fenced football area at Wat’s Dyke Park to allow a clean, safe place for children to play.

The response was outstanding with over 200 thoughtful submissions from children eager to make a difference in their community. Choosing the winners was no easy task but the judges independently selected the same two designs.

Congratulations to Max J. (Year 4) and Poppy B. (Year 2), whose posters have now been professionally printed and installed at park entrances. These signs will serve as enduring reminders of the importance of protecting spaces where children play.

What makes this initiative especially powerful is not only the creativity of the entries, but the maturity, empathy and sense of responsibility demonstrated by the children from Ysgol Mynydd Isa. Across all submissions pupils delivered their messages with genuine respect- acknowledging the role of responsible dog owners while urging a change in behaviour for the safety of all and the local environment. While some disclosed that some people including children are afraid of the dogs, many highlighted the serious health risks associated with dog fouling, including the presence of harmful bacteria that can cause severe illness and, in extreme cases, blindness.

Importantly, the children recognised that the issue extends far beyond park fences. Dog fouling doesn’t just pose risks to playgrounds and sports pitches- it contaminates pavements, public parks, and school carpets where children sit, play, and learn. Their advocacy sends a clear message that protecting public health starts with responsible individual actions.

Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Mared Eastwood, said:

“This project is a powerful testament to the influence of youth voices in building safer, healthier communities. These children have demonstrated awareness, compassion, and a deep desire to improve their environment. Their posters are more than art - they are messages of action, respect, care and responsibility.”

Both winning students received certificates of achievement and the honour of seeing their artwork transformed into permanent community signage a lasting legacy of how even the youngest citizens can drive real, meaningful change.

Flintshire County Council reminds residents that allowing dogs into designated play areas or failing to clean up after them is a breach of the Public Spaces Protection Order. Offenders may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice and face fines of up to £1,000.

We encourage all dog owners to take inspiration from the children's thoughtful and respectful messages by demonstrating the same care and responsibility for our shared public spaces. If you're a responsible dog owner, why not take it a step further and join our Green Dog Walkers initiative? By signing the pledge on our website, you're committing to always clean up after your dog and, if needed, offer spare waste bags to others. As a thank-you, your furry friend will receive a special Green Dog Walkers bandana to wear- helping to spread this friendly, community-minded message.

We also encourage schools throughout Flintshire to get involved in similar initiatives or support the Green Dog Walkers campaign by using the resources available on our website. By doing so, they can play a vital role in promoting social responsibility and setting a positive example for future generations.

To take part in future environmental improvement activities, please contact: 

keepflintshiretidy@flintshire.gov.uk