Council Sets Sights on Playgrounds with New Strategy

A new Playground Strategy for Westmorland and Furness has been agreed which aims to deliver consistent, high-quality play provision across the area.

At a meeting of Westmorland and Council’s Cabinet, a new strategic plan for playgrounds was agreed which the council said “aims to enhance the health, wellbeing, and social connection of children and young people by creating sustainable, safe, and engaging play areas across Westmorland and Furness.”

The council currently oversees a network of play provision across Westmorland and Furness council district that it inherited from the former district councils almost two years ago including 120 playgrounds, 11 skate parks, 16 multi-use games areas, one pump track, and one small BMX track. In addition to this, local town and parish councils, along with community groups, provide many more playgrounds throughout the area.

This new strategy is intended to allow the council to “achieve the collective vision” offering a consistent, inclusive, and accessible playground experience for all communities.

Throughout summer 2024, the council has said it engaged with local residents, community groups, and visitors to gather input on what they wanted from their local play areas. Feedback, collected through an online survey and community drop-in sessions, highlighted key priorities including the desire for a variety of equipment, close proximity to homes, cleanliness, safety, and inclusivity.

The council has said the new strategy aligns with the council’s broader ambitions to improve health and wellbeing across the area, ensuring everyone – residents and visitors alike – has equal access to opportunities for active, healthy living. By working in partnership with local town and parish councils and community groups, the strategy will help develop new play areas and enhance existing ones to meet the diverse needs of all children and families.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for the Sustainable Communities and Localities, said:

“Play is not just fun – it is a critical part of children’s physical, social, and emotional development. Playgrounds provide children with the space to explore, learn about the world, and interact with others in a safe environment.

“I’m proud that we, alongside town and parish councils and community groups, play a key role in offering free, accessible, inclusive play areas that support children and young people to lead active and healthy lives. By creating safer, well-maintained and engaging play spaces, we are together empowering them and families of all ages and abilities to thrive.

“We’re committed to working with local communities and partners to ensure our play spaces evolve and remain beneficial and durable for future generations.”

In Penrith, Westmorland and Furness councils owns all the play parks across the town with the exception of Fair Hill that was devolved to Penrith Town Council by the former Eden Distrcit council. It also owns the skatepark located at Penrith Leisure Centre.